1998 Ford Contour vs. 1999 Toyota Prius
To start off, 1999 Toyota Prius is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Contour would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1999 Toyota Prius. (127 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1999 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Toyota Prius weights approximately 373 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 Ford Contour (180 Nm) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Toyota Prius. (108 Nm). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Toyota Prius. 1999 Toyota Prius has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 1999 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Contour | Prius |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
