1997 Ford Contour vs. 1980 Honda Accord
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,987 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1980 Honda Accord. (80 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1980 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 312 kg more than 1980 Honda Accord. 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, 1997 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1980 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Contour | Accord |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1987 cc | 1601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2390 mm |
