1996 Ford Contour vs. 2006 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2006 Smart ForTwo is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Contour would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Contour (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (60 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Contour weights approximately 427 kg more than 2006 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Smart ForTwo 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 2006 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Ford Contour | 2006 Smart ForTwo | |
Make | Ford | Smart |
Model | Contour | ForTwo |
Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 1989 cc | 698 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 129 HP | 60 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 95 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 66.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 67 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 815 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 2510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1540 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1560 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 1820 mm |