2005 Ford Ranger vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2005 Ford Ranger 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2005 Ford Ranger. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Ranger weights approximately 60 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 2005 Ford Ranger 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 2005 Ford Ranger. 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, 1997 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Ranger. (135 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Ranger. 1997 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 2005 Ford Ranger has manual transmission. 2005 Ford Ranger 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:
2005 Ford Ranger | 1997 Ford Contour | |
Make | Ford | Ford |
Model | Ranger | Contour |
Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1753 cc | 1989 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 86 HP | 125 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 135 Nm | 180 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1302 kg | 1242 kg |
Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2710 mm |