1979 Ford Escort vs. 1993 Ford Contour
To start off, 1993 Ford Contour is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Ford Contour (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Ford Contour weights approximately 438 kg more than 1979 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Escort 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 1979 Ford Escort. 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 (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1993 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Escort | 1993 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Contour |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1313 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
