2002 Ford Taurus vs. 1999 Ford Contour
To start off, 2002 Ford Taurus is newer by 3 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 2,933 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2002 Ford Taurus. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Taurus weights approximately 85 kg more than 1999 Ford Contour.
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, 2002 Ford Taurus (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour. 2002 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1999 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1999 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Taurus | 1999 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Taurus | Contour |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2933 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 1392 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 56 L |
