1997 Ford Contour vs. 2002 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2002 Toyota MR2 is newer by 5 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 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2002 Toyota MR2. (197 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 2002 Toyota MR2 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 2002 Toyota MR2. 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 (231 Nm) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota MR2. (170 Nm). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2002 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Contour | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 72 L |
