1997 Ford Contour vs. 2003 Mazda Roadster
To start off, 2003 Mazda Roadster is newer by 6 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 52 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (148 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 310 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mazda Roadster 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 2003 Mazda Roadster. 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 @ 5625 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (167 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 2003 Mazda Roadster has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mazda Roadster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2003 Mazda Roadster | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Contour | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1838 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 48 L |
