1990 Buick LeSabre vs. 1996 Ford Contour
To start off, 1996 Ford Contour is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Contour (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1990 Buick LeSabre. (115 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1990 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 414 kg more than 1996 Ford Contour.
Because 1990 Buick LeSabre 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 1990 Buick LeSabre. 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, 1990 Buick LeSabre (257 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Buick LeSabre | 1996 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | LeSabre | Contour |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 257 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 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2710 mm |
