1997 Ford Contour vs. 1998 Honda S2000
To start off, 1998 Honda S2000 is newer by 1 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Honda S2000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda S2000 (251 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda S2000 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 2 kg more than 1998 Honda S2000.
Because 1998 Honda S2000 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 1998 Honda S2000. 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, 1998 Honda S2000 (218 Nm @ 7500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Honda S2000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1998 Honda S2000 | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Contour | S2000 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1987 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
