1994 Ford Contour vs. 1983 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1994 Ford Contour is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ford Fairlane (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1994 Ford Contour. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1994 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 388 kg more than 1994 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Ford Fairlane 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 1983 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1983 Ford Fairlane (326 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1983 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Ford Contour | 1983 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Contour | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.9 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2950 mm |
