1999 Ford Contour vs. 1983 Maserati 420
To start off, 1999 Ford Contour is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Maserati 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Maserati 420 would be higher. At 2,491 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Maserati 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Maserati 420 (198 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Maserati 420 should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Contour weights approximately 62 kg more than 1983 Maserati 420.
Because 1983 Maserati 420 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 1983 Maserati 420. 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, 1983 Maserati 420 (308 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1983 Maserati 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Contour | 1983 Maserati 420 | |
| Make | Ford | Maserati |
| Model | Contour | 420 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 308 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2610 mm |
