1995 Ford Contour vs. 1978 Buick Century
To start off, 1995 Ford Contour is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,213 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Ford Contour (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Century weights approximately 188 kg more than 1995 Ford Contour.
Because 1978 Buick Century 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 Buick Century. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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, 1978 Buick Century (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Ford Contour | 1978 Buick Century | |
| Make | Ford | Buick |
| Model | Contour | Century |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3213 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2760 mm |
