1986 Ford Mustang vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1986 Ford Mustang. (88 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 57 kg more than 1986 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Ford Mustang 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 1986 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Mustang | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Contour |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2710 mm |
