2003 Buick Blackhawk vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2003 Buick Blackhawk is newer by 6 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 7,458 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Buick Blackhawk is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Buick Blackhawk (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Buick Blackhawk should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Buick Blackhawk weights approximately 391 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 2003 Buick Blackhawk 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 2003 Buick Blackhawk. 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, 2003 Buick Blackhawk (692 Nm) has 512 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm). This means 2003 Buick Blackhawk will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Buick Blackhawk | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Blackhawk | Contour |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7458 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 692 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 109.2 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1633 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3280 mm | 2710 mm |
