1997 Ford Contour vs. 1986 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Vauxhall Carlton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Vauxhall Carlton would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1986 Vauxhall Carlton. (89 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1986 Vauxhall Carlton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 164 kg more than 1986 Vauxhall Carlton. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Vauxhall Carlton 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 1986 Vauxhall Carlton. 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 (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Vauxhall Carlton. (144 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Vauxhall Carlton.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1986 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Ford | Vauxhall |
| Model | Contour | Carlton |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
