2008 Fiat Panda vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2008 Fiat Panda 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 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 2008 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2008 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 425 kg more than 2008 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Fiat Panda 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 Fiat Panda 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, 1997 Ford Contour (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Fiat Panda. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Fiat Panda | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Panda | Contour |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 55 L |
