1996 Ford Contour vs. 1979 Ford LTD
To start off, 1996 Ford Contour is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford LTD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford LTD would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford LTD (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1996 Ford Contour. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford LTD should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford LTD weights approximately 444 kg more than 1996 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford LTD 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 1979 Ford LTD. 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, 1979 Ford LTD (332 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford LTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Contour | 1979 Ford LTD | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Contour | LTD |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1686 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2900 mm |
