2000 Ford Contour vs. 2002 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2002 Honda S-MX is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Ford Contour would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Ford Contour (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2002 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2002 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Honda S-MX weights approximately 88 kg more than 2000 Ford Contour.
Because 2002 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2000 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Honda S-MX will offer significantly more control. 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, 2002 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Ford Contour. 2002 Honda S-MX has automatic transmission and 2000 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 2000 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Honda S-MX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Ford Contour | 2002 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Contour | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2510 mm |
