2005 Buick Park Avenue vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2005 Buick Park Avenue is newer by 8 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 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Buick Park Avenue is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Buick Park Avenue (242 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Buick Park Avenue should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Buick Park Avenue weights approximately 448 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.
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, 2005 Buick Park Avenue (380 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2005 Buick Park Avenue will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Buick Park Avenue | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Park Avenue | Contour |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3785 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1762 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5260 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2710 mm |
