1998 Ford Contour vs. 1985 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volkswagen Golf 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 (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. (127 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 282 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 1985 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Contour | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.9 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2480 mm |
