2006 Cadillac XLR vs. 1999 Ford Contour
To start off, 2006 Cadillac XLR is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Ford Contour would be higher. At 4,563 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Cadillac XLR (322 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 263 kg more than 1999 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Cadillac XLR 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 2006 Cadillac XLR. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 2006 Cadillac XLR (420 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2006 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour. 2006 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 1999 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1999 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Cadillac XLR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Cadillac XLR | 1999 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | XLR | Contour |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4563 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 322 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1392 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 56 L |
