1997 Ford Contour vs. 2000 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2000 Smart ForTwo is newer by 3 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2000 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2000 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 426 kg more than 2000 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 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 2000 Smart ForTwo. 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 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2000 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Contour | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 816 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 1820 mm |
