1980 Ford Fairlane 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 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1980 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 162 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour.
Because 1980 Ford Fairlane 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 Ford Fairlane. 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 Ford Fairlane (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Fairlane | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Fairlane | Contour |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1404 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2710 mm |
