2011 Ford Escape vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2011 Ford Escape is newer by 14 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Ford Escape is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Escape (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Escape weights approximately 224 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.
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, 2011 Ford Escape (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Escape will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1997 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 2011 Ford Escape has manual transmission. 2011 Ford Escape will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Ford Escape | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escape | Contour |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1466 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4437 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1806 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1725 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2619 mm | 2710 mm |
