1998 Ford Contour vs. 1988 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Hyundai Sonata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Hyundai Sonata 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 85 more horse power than 1988 Hyundai Sonata. (110 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1988 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 194 kg more than 1988 Hyundai Sonata. 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 (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Hyundai Sonata. (193 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 1988 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Ford | Hyundai |
| Model | Contour | Sonata |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2351 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1217 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2660 mm |
