2000 Ford Contour vs. 2008 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2008 Nissan 350Z is newer by 8 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 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan 350Z (306 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 2000 Ford Contour. (201 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2000 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 122 kg more than 2000 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Nissan 350Z 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 Nissan 350Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Ford Contour. (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Ford Contour | 2008 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Contour | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1418 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 76 L |
