1999 Ford Contour vs. 1996 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1999 Ford Contour is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota MR2 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 126 more horse power than 1996 Toyota MR2. (74 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 223 kg more than 1999 Ford Contour.
Because 1996 Toyota MR2 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 1996 Toyota MR2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Ford Contour (224 Nm) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota MR2. (131 Nm). This means 1999 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Contour | 1996 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Contour | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 75 L |
