2003 Bentley Azure vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 2003 Bentley Azure is newer by 5 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 6,745 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Bentley Azure is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Bentley Azure (402 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 267 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Bentley Azure should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Bentley Azure weights approximately 1208 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Bentley Azure 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 2003 Bentley Azure. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2003 Bentley Azure (750 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 570 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Bentley Azure will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2003 Bentley Azure has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Bentley Azure will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Bentley Azure | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Bentley | Ford |
| Model | Azure | Contour |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6745 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 402 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 750 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2450 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2710 mm |
