1993 Ford Contour vs. 1976 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1993 Ford Contour is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Thunderbird (135 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1993 Ford Contour. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1993 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 378 kg more than 1993 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Ford Thunderbird 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 1976 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 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, 1976 Ford Thunderbird (317 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Ford Contour | 1976 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Contour | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 317 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2760 mm |
