1996 Ford Contour vs. 1983 Ford Crown Victoria
To start off, 1996 Ford Contour is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Crown Victoria. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Crown Victoria would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 Ford Crown Victoria is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 129 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Crown Victoria weights approximately 398 kg more than 1996 Ford Contour.
Because 1983 Ford Crown Victoria 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 Crown Victoria. 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, 1983 Ford Crown Victoria (302 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1983 Ford Crown Victoria will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Contour | 1983 Ford Crown Victoria | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Contour | Crown Victoria |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 76.2 mm |
| 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 | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2910 mm |
