1998 Ford Contour vs. 1981 Renault 5
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Renault 5 would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1981 Renault 5. (158 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1981 Renault 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 361 kg more than 1981 Renault 5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Renault 5 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 1981 Renault 5. 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 (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Renault 5. (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Renault 5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 1981 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Contour | 5 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 51 L |
