1998 Ford Contour vs. 2012 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2012 Porsche Boxster is newer by 14 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 3,400 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche Boxster (310 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 60 kg more than 2012 Porsche Boxster.
Because 2012 Porsche Boxster 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 2012 Porsche Boxster. 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, 2012 Porsche Boxster (360 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2012 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | Ford | Porsche |
| Model | Contour | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 3400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| 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 | 1351 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1293 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2416 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 64 L |
