1997 Ford Contour vs. 1985 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Toyota Celica would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1985 Toyota Celica. (120 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1985 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 142 kg more than 1985 Toyota Celica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Toyota Celica 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 1985 Toyota Celica. 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, 1997 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Toyota Celica. (150 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1985 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Contour | Celica |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2530 mm |
