2003 Lexus SC vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 2003 Lexus SC 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 4,294 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Lexus SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lexus SC (290 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lexus SC should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lexus SC weights approximately 498 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 Lexus SC 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 Lexus SC. 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 Lexus SC (447 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Lexus SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lexus SC | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Lexus | Ford |
| Model | SC | Contour |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4294 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 84.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
