1979 Ford Taunus vs. 2000 Ford Contour
To start off, 2000 Ford Contour is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Ford Contour (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1979 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Ford Contour weights approximately 132 kg more than 1979 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Ford Taunus. 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, 2000 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Taunus. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Taunus | 2000 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Taunus | Contour |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2710 mm |
