1994 Ford Contour vs. 1978 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1994 Ford Contour is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Ford Contour (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Ford Contour weights approximately 57 kg more than 1978 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Mustang 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 1978 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 1994 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1994 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Ford Contour | 1978 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Contour | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2560 mm |
