1998 Ford Contour vs. 1981 Toyota Cressida
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Cressida. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Cressida 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 89 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Cressida. (106 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Cressida. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 235 kg more than 1981 Toyota Cressida. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Toyota Cressida 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 Toyota Cressida. 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 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Cressida. (162 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Cressida.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 1981 Toyota Cressida | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Contour | Cressida |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2650 mm |
