2009 Maserati Quattroporte vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2009 Maserati Quattroporte 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 4,244 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Maserati Quattroporte is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Maserati Quattroporte (396 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 271 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Maserati Quattroporte should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Maserati Quattroporte weights approximately 713 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 Maserati Quattroporte 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 2009 Maserati Quattroporte. 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, 2009 Maserati Quattroporte (451 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Maserati Quattroporte will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Maserati Quattroporte | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Maserati | Ford |
| Model | Quattroporte | Contour |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4244 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 396 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 451 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.1 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3070 mm | 2710 mm |
