1998 Ford Contour vs. 2005 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2005 Smart ForTwo is newer by 7 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 155 more horse power than 2005 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2005 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 596 kg more than 2005 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Smart ForTwo 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 2005 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Ford Contour (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2005 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Contour | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 65.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 135 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 22 L |
