1959 Abarth 500 vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 500 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) has 108 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 797 kg more than 1959 Abarth 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Abarth 500 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 1959 Abarth 500. 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 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
1959 Abarth 500 | 1998 Ford Contour | |
Make | Abarth | Ford |
Model | 500 | Contour |
Year Released | 1959 | 1998 |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 479 cc | 1989 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 20 HP | 128 HP |
Torque | 32 Nm | 180 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 84.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 88 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1242 kg |
Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2710 mm |