1999 Ford Contour vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 10 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 46 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (154 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 158 kg more than 1999 Ford Contour.
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 @ 5625 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Contour | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Contour | 3 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2260 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1550 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 |
