2003 Ford Ka vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka 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 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 352 kg more than 2003 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Ford Contour (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka. 1997 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Ka 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 Ford Ka | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Ka | Contour |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2710 mm |
