1996 Ford Contour vs. 1988 Honda Civic
To start off, 1996 Ford Contour is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Contour (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1988 Honda Civic. (89 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Civic.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Civic. (114 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Contour | 1988 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Contour | Civic |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
