1999 Ford Contour vs. 1996 Mazda 626
To start off, 1999 Ford Contour is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 626. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Contour weights approximately 202 kg more than 1996 Mazda 626. 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, 1999 Ford Contour (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 626. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Contour | 1996 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Contour | 626 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| 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 | 1392 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2620 mm |
