1998 Ford Contour vs. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Pontiac Grand Am 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 32 more horse power than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 176 kg more than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. 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, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1990 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 1990 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Contour | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 69 L |
