1989 Ford Escort vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1989 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Escort.
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, 1998 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Escort. (109 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Escort | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Contour |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1700 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 84.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
