1997 Ford Contour vs. 1979 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1979 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. (108 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1979 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight weights approximately 235 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 1979 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight 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 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. 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, 1979 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1979 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1979 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1979 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight | |
| Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Contour | Eighty-Eight |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2960 mm |
