2001 Renault Megane vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 2001 Renault Megane is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Contour would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2001 Renault Megane. (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2001 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 156 kg more than 2001 Renault Megane. 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, 1998 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Renault Megane. (127 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Renault Megane. 1998 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 2001 Renault Megane has manual transmission. 2001 Renault Megane will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Renault Megane | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Renault | Ford |
| Model | Megane | Contour |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 84.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1086 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2710 mm |
