1982 Fiat Abarth vs. 1999 Ford Contour
To start off, 1999 Ford Contour is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Fiat Abarth. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Fiat Abarth would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Fiat Abarth is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Fiat Abarth (140 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Fiat Abarth should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Contour weights approximately 102 kg more than 1982 Fiat Abarth.
Because 1982 Fiat Abarth 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 1982 Fiat Abarth. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1982 Fiat Abarth (215 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1982 Fiat Abarth will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Fiat Abarth | 1999 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Abarth | Contour |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2710 mm |
