2004 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 7 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 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette (339 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 130 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 2004 Chevrolet Corvette 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 2004 Chevrolet Corvette. 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, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette (483 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2004 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Chevrolet Corvette | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Corvette | Contour |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5665 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 483 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5625 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 | 1520 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 55 L |
