1997 Ford Contour vs. 2006 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2006 Smart Roadster is newer by 9 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 119 more horse power than 2006 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 525 kg more than 2006 Smart Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Smart 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 2006 Smart 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 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart Roadster. 2006 Smart 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. 2006 Smart Roadster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2006 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Contour | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 35 L |
