1997 Ford Contour vs. 1976 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1976 Ford Fairlane. (155 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 62 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 1976 Ford Fairlane 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 1976 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1976 Ford Fairlane (328 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1976 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Contour | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 3984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 328 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2950 mm |
