1989 Buick Estate vs. 1996 Ford Contour
To start off, 1996 Ford Contour is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Buick Estate would be higher. At 6,597 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Buick Estate (182 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1996 Ford Contour. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Estate weights approximately 643 kg more than 1996 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Buick Estate 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 1989 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1989 Buick Estate (435 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Buick Estate | 1996 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Estate | Contour |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6597 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 435 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1885 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2710 mm |
