2006 Chevrolet Kalos vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Kalos is newer by 9 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 1,987 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Kalos. (71 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Kalos. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 207 kg more than 2006 Chevrolet Kalos. 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, 1997 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Kalos. (104 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Kalos.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Kalos | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Kalos | Contour |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1150 cc | 1987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2710 mm |
