1999 Ford Contour vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 9 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (149 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Contour weights approximately 147 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
1999 Ford Contour | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Contour | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1999 | 2008 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 128 HP | 149 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 175 Nm | 188 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1095 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1250 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1730 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2340 mm |