2005 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 26 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 56 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, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1997 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 Volkswagen New Beetle | 1997 Ford Contour | |
Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
Model | New Beetle | Contour |
Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1983 cc | 1989 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 99 HP | 125 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 240 Nm | 180 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 84.8 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 88 mm |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1298 kg | 1242 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2710 mm |