2003 Ford Mustang vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang 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 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 265 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 238 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 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang. 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 Ford Mustang (556 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 376 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Contour |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4599 cc | 1987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 556 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
