1960 Fairthorpe Electron vs. 1999 Ford Contour
To start off, 1999 Ford Contour is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Fairthorpe Electron would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Contour (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. (42 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Contour weights approximately 752 kg more than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 Fairthorpe Electron 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 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Ford Contour (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. (66 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. 1999 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 1960 Fairthorpe Electron has manual transmission. 1960 Fairthorpe Electron will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Fairthorpe Electron | 1999 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Ford |
| Model | Electron | Contour |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 42 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3360 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2060 mm | 2710 mm |
