2009 Ford Flex vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2009 Ford Flex 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 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Flex is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Flex (262 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Flex should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 276 kg more than 2009 Ford Flex.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Ford Flex (336 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Flex will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Flex | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Flex | Contour |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 262 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2710 mm |
