1993 Ford Contour vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1993 Ford Contour. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1993 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Ford Contour weights approximately 166 kg more than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, both vehicles can yield 220 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Ford Contour | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Contour | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1993 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1313 kg | 1147 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2270 mm |
