1999 Ford Contour vs. 2000 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2000 Smart ForTwo is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Ford Contour 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 140 more horse power than 2000 Smart ForTwo. (60 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2000 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Contour weights approximately 577 kg more than 2000 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 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 2000 Smart ForTwo. 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 @ 5625 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Smart ForTwo. (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Contour | 2000 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Contour | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 33 L |
