2009 Chevrolet Trans Sport vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Trans Sport 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 3,350 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Trans Sport is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Trans Sport (185 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Trans Sport should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Trans Sport weights approximately 711 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 Trans Sport 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 Trans Sport 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 Trans Sport (283 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Trans Sport will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2009 Chevrolet Trans Sport 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 Trans Sport will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Trans Sport | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Trans Sport | Contour |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3350 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 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 | 1953 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2710 mm |
