2008 Dodge Ram vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2008 Dodge Ram is newer by 11 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 5,654 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Ram (345 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Ram weights approximately 301 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.
Because 2008 Dodge Ram is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Ram will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Dodge Ram (509 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 278 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2008 Dodge Ram has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Dodge Ram will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Ram | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Ram | Contour |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5654 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 509 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5790 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1890 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3580 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 55 L |
