2009 Chevrolet Colorado vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Colorado is newer by 12 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 2,901 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Colorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. (185 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 129 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Chevrolet Colorado 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, 2009 Chevrolet Colorado 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, 2009 Chevrolet Colorado (258 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Colorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Colorado | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Colorado | Contour |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2901 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 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 | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
