1981 Ferrari 512 BBi vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi would be higher. At 4,942 cc, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi (340 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (195 HP @ 6625 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi weights approximately 88 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi 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 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi. 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, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi (451 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ford |
| Model | 512 BBi | Contour |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2544 cc |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6625 RPM |
| Torque | 451 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1499 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 54 L |
