1997 Ford Contour vs. 1997 Maserati Ghibli
To start off, both 1997 Ford Contour and 1997 Maserati Ghibli were released in the same year (1997). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Maserati Ghibli is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Maserati Ghibli (302 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Maserati Ghibli should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Maserati Ghibli weights approximately 123 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 1997 Maserati Ghibli 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 1997 Maserati Ghibli. 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, 1997 Maserati Ghibli (334 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Maserati Ghibli will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1997 Maserati Ghibli | |
| Make | Ford | Maserati |
| Model | Contour | Ghibli |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1987 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 334 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
