1998 Ford Contour vs. 2005 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 2005 Ford Fairlane is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Contour would be higher. At 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Fairlane (225 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 294 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Ford Fairlane 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 2005 Ford Fairlane. 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, 2005 Ford Fairlane (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2005 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2005 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Contour | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 3984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 92.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2920 mm |
