1999 Ford Contour vs. 2004 Mazda 3
To start off, 2004 Mazda 3 is newer by 5 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 40 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Contour weights approximately 110 kg more than 2004 Mazda 3. 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) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (203 Nm). This means 1999 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Contour | 2004 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Contour | 3 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1282 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 55 L |
