1997 Ford Contour vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 11 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), 2008 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 87 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Mazda 3 (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Contour | 3 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2650 mm |
