1998 Ford Contour vs. 2002 Mazda 6
To start off, 2002 Mazda 6 is newer by 4 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 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2002 Mazda 6. (164 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda 6 weights approximately 79 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour.
Because 2002 Mazda 6 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mazda 6 will offer significantly more control. 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 (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda 6. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda 6. 2002 Mazda 6 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. 2002 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2002 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Contour | 6 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 87.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 64 L |
