1980 Buick Electra vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1980 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Electra weights approximately 448 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour.
Because 1980 Buick Electra 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 1980 Buick Electra. 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, 1980 Buick Electra (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 1980 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick Electra | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Electra | Contour |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2710 mm |
