1949 Austin 16 vs. 1994 Ford Contour
To start off, 1994 Ford Contour is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Austin 16. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Austin 16 would be higher. At 2,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1949 Austin 16 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Ford Contour (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1949 Austin 16. (63 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin 16. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Austin 16 weights approximately 38 kg more than 1994 Ford Contour.
Because 1949 Austin 16 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 1949 Austin 16. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 1994 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin 16. (147 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1994 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Austin 16.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Austin 16 | 1994 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | 16 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 84.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2710 mm |
