1998 Ford Contour vs. 1976 Ford Escort
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1976 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 366 kg more than 1976 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Ford Escort 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 1976 Ford Escort. 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, 1998 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 1976 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Contour | Escort |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 876 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
