2003 De Tomaso Guara vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2003 De Tomaso Guara 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 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 De Tomaso Guara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 De Tomaso Guara (305 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 De Tomaso Guara should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 114 kg more than 2003 De Tomaso Guara.
Because 2003 De Tomaso Guara 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 De Tomaso Guara. 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 De Tomaso Guara (414 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 De Tomaso Guara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1997 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 2003 De Tomaso Guara has manual transmission. 2003 De Tomaso Guara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 De Tomaso Guara | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Ford |
| Model | Guara | Contour |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 414 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2710 mm |
