1972 Ford Fairlane vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Fairlane (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 208 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Ford Fairlane 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 1972 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1972 Ford Fairlane (326 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Fairlane | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Fairlane | Contour |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2710 mm |
