1996 Honda Civic vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (90 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 277 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1998 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (124 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 1998 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Honda Civic | 1998 Ford Contour | |
Make | Honda | Ford |
Model | Civic | Contour |
Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1989 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 128 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 124 Nm | 180 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1242 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |