1957 Fiat 1200 vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Fiat 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Fiat 1200 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 (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1957 Fiat 1200. (57 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1957 Fiat 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 322 kg more than 1957 Fiat 1200. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Fiat 1200 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 1957 Fiat 1200. 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 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Fiat 1200. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Fiat 1200. 1998 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 1957 Fiat 1200 has manual transmission. 1957 Fiat 1200 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Fiat 1200 | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 1200 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1219 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 84.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2710 mm |
