1993 Ford Contour vs. 2004 Lexus IS
To start off, 2004 Lexus IS is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Ford Contour would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Ford Contour (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2004 Lexus IS. (153 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2004 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Lexus IS weights approximately 87 kg more than 1993 Ford Contour.
Because 2004 Lexus IS 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 2004 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 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, 1993 Ford Contour (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Lexus IS. (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1993 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Ford Contour | 2004 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Ford | Lexus |
| Model | Contour | IS |
| Year Released | 1993 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1313 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
