1999 Ford Contour vs. 1988 Honda Prelude
To start off, 1999 Ford Contour is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Contour (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1988 Honda Prelude. (112 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Contour weights approximately 137 kg more than 1988 Honda Prelude. 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, 1999 Ford Contour (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Prelude. (157 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Contour | 1988 Honda Prelude | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Contour | Prelude |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2580 mm |
