1974 Ford Fairlane vs. 2000 Ford Contour
To start off, 2000 Ford Contour is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Ford Contour (201 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1974 Ford Fairlane. (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 34 kg more than 2000 Ford Contour.
Because 1974 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 1974 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 1974 Ford Fairlane (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Ford Contour. (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1974 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Fairlane | 2000 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Fairlane | Contour |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3984 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1418 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2760 mm |
