1979 Ford Mustang vs. 1996 Ford Contour
To start off, 1996 Ford Contour is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Contour (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1979 Ford Mustang. (90 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Contour weights approximately 22 kg more than 1979 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Mustang 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 Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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 Mustang (209 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Ford Mustang | 1996 Ford Contour | |
Make | Ford | Ford |
Model | Mustang | Contour |
Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3273 cc | 1989 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 129 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 209 Nm | 180 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1242 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2710 mm |