1954 Ford Consul vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Ford Consul. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Ford Consul would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (168 HP) has 128 more horse power than 1954 Ford Consul. (40 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1954 Ford Consul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 269 kg more than 1954 Ford Consul. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 Ford Consul 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 1954 Ford Consul. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Ford Contour (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Ford Consul. (100 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Ford Consul. 1997 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 1954 Ford Consul has manual transmission. 1954 Ford Consul will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Ford Consul | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Consul | Contour |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1507 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 168 HP |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1045 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2710 mm |
