1998 Ford Contour vs. 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado would be higher. At 4,128 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 289 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour.
Because 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado 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 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. 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, 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado 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. 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Ford Contour | 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
Model | Contour | Toronado |
Year Released | 1998 | 1979 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2544 cc | 4128 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 195 HP | 123 HP |
Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 224 Nm | 278 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1700 kg |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2910 mm |