1999 Ford Contour vs. 2012 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 13 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 2 more horse power than 2012 Hyundai Sonata. (198 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2012 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 42 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, 2012 Hyundai Sonata (249 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2012 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour. 2012 Hyundai Sonata 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. 2012 Hyundai Sonata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Contour | 2012 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Ford | Hyundai |
| Model | Contour | Sonata |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 249 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1434 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4821 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1834 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2794 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 70 L |
