1999 Ford Contour vs. 1981 Ford Granada
To start off, 1999 Ford Contour is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Granada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Granada would be higher. At 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Granada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Contour (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1981 Ford Granada. (68 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Granada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Granada weights approximately 128 kg more than 1999 Ford Contour.
Because 1981 Ford Granada 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 Ford Granada. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Ford Contour (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Granada. (148 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Granada.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Contour | 1981 Ford Granada | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Contour | Granada |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2780 mm |
