2004 Ford Five Hundred vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2004 Ford Five Hundred 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 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Five Hundred is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 200 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Five Hundred weights approximately 262 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
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, 2004 Ford Five Hundred (266 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Five Hundred will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2004 Ford Five Hundred has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Five Hundred will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Five Hundred | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Five Hundred | Contour |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 266 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1652 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
