2008 Ford Mustang vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2008 Ford Mustang 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Mustang (210 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 135 kg more than 2008 Ford Mustang.
Because 2008 Ford Mustang 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 2008 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 2008 Ford Mustang (325 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Mustang | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Contour |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4000 cc | 1987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
