1999 Ford Contour vs. 2005 Lexus GS
To start off, 2005 Lexus GS is newer by 6 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 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Lexus GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lexus GS (242 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lexus GS should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lexus GS weights approximately 303 kg more than 1999 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Lexus GS 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 2005 Lexus GS. 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, 2005 Lexus GS (296 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2005 Lexus GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour. 2005 Lexus GS has automatic transmission and 1999 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1999 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Lexus GS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Contour | 2005 Lexus GS | |
| Make | Ford | Lexus |
| Model | Contour | GS |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 71 L |
