1954 Ford Popular vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Ford Popular. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Ford Popular would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1954 Ford Popular. (26 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1954 Ford Popular. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 507 kg more than 1954 Ford Popular. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 Ford Popular 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 Popular. 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, 1998 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Ford Popular. (63 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Ford Popular.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Ford Popular | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Popular | Contour |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 735 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3880 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2710 mm |
