2011 Porsche Cayman vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2011 Porsche Cayman 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 3,400 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Porsche Cayman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Porsche Cayman (320 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Porsche Cayman should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Porsche Cayman weights approximately 108 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 2011 Porsche Cayman 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 2011 Porsche Cayman. 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, 2011 Porsche Cayman (370 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Porsche Cayman 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 Porsche Cayman has manual transmission. 2011 Porsche Cayman 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 Porsche Cayman | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Porsche | Ford |
| Model | Cayman | Contour |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3400 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4376 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1801 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1306 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2416 mm | 2710 mm |
