1976 Ford Taunus vs. 1993 Ford Contour
To start off, 1993 Ford Contour is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Ford Contour (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Ford Contour weights approximately 122 kg more than 1976 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Ford Taunus 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 1976 Ford Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 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, 1993 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1993 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 1993 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Taunus | Contour |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2710 mm |
