1998 Ford Contour vs. 1955 Rover P4
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Rover P4 would be higher. At 2,638 cc (6 cylinders), 1955 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1955 Rover P4. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1955 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Rover P4 weights approximately 158 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour.
Because 1955 Rover P4 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 1955 Rover P4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1955 Rover P4 (188 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1955 Rover P4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 1955 Rover P4 | |
| Make | Ford | Rover |
| Model | Contour | P4 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2638 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2830 mm |
