2002 Cadillac CTS vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2002 Cadillac CTS is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Contour would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Cadillac CTS (210 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 170 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Cadillac CTS is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2002 Cadillac CTS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2002 Cadillac CTS (296 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2002 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Cadillac CTS | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | CTS | Contour |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
