1972 Ford Torino 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 Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Torino would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1972 Ford Torino. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Torino weights approximately 410 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour.
Because 1972 Ford Torino 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 Torino. 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 Torino (246 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Torino | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Torino | Contour |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 84.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1652 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5280 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2710 mm |
