2000 Ford Contour vs. 2011 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2011 Nissan 370Z is newer by 11 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan 370Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 2000 Ford Contour. (201 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 2000 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan 370Z weights approximately 160 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 2011 Nissan 370Z 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 2011 Nissan 370Z. 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, 2011 Nissan 370Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Ford Contour. (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan 370Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Ford Contour. 2011 Nissan 370Z 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. 2011 Nissan 370Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Ford Contour | 2011 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Contour | 370Z |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1418 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4247 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1326 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 72 L |
