1979 Ford LTD vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford LTD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford LTD would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford LTD (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford LTD should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford LTD weights approximately 318 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 1979 Ford LTD 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 LTD. 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, 1979 Ford LTD (302 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford LTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Ford LTD | 1998 Ford Contour | |
Make | Ford | Ford |
Model | LTD | Contour |
Year Released | 1979 | 1998 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1989 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 129 HP | 128 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 302 Nm | 180 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 84.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 88 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1242 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2710 mm |