1988 Ford Fairlane vs. 1999 Ford Contour
To start off, 1999 Ford Contour is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,089 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Fairlane (138 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 388 kg more than 1999 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1988 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Fairlane | 1999 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Fairlane | Contour |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4089 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2710 mm |
