1997 Ford Contour vs. 2004 Mazda 6
To start off, 2004 Mazda 6 is newer by 7 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 6. (130 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 6 weights approximately 243 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2004 Mazda 6 (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2004 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Contour | 6 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1987 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
