1999 Ford Contour vs. 2013 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2013 Nissan Maxima is newer by 14 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Nissan Maxima (286 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 379 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.
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, 2013 Nissan Maxima (354 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Contour | 2013 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Contour | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 286 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 354 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1621 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4843 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1467 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2775 mm |
