1998 Ford Contour vs. 1977 Holden Kingswood
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Holden Kingswood. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Holden Kingswood would be higher. At 5,042 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Holden Kingswood is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Holden Kingswood (213 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Holden Kingswood should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Holden Kingswood weights approximately 138 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 Holden Kingswood 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 1977 Holden Kingswood. 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, 1977 Holden Kingswood (400 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1977 Holden Kingswood will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 1977 Holden Kingswood has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Holden Kingswood will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 1977 Holden Kingswood | |
| Make | Ford | Holden |
| Model | Contour | Kingswood |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 5042 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 213 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2830 mm |
