2009 Chevrolet Tahoe vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe 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 5,328 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe (284 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe weights approximately 1177 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 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe 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 Tahoe 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 Tahoe (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe 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. 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Tahoe | Contour |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5328 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 284 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.1 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2419 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2070 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1970 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2710 mm |
