1980 Buick Estate 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 Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Buick Estate would be higher. At 4,931 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1980 Buick Estate. (140 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Estate weights approximately 459 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour.
Because 1980 Buick Estate 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 Estate. 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 Estate (318 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 1980 Buick Estate 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 Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick Estate | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Estate | Contour |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4931 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6625 RPM |
| Torque | 318 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2730 mm |
