1989 Buick Electra vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Buick Electra would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Buick Electra (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Electra weights approximately 333 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1989 Buick Electra (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1989 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Buick Electra | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Electra | Contour |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2710 mm |
