1999 Ford Contour vs. 1998 GMC Safari
To start off, 1999 Ford Contour is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 GMC Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 GMC Safari would be higher. At 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 GMC Safari (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 GMC Safari weights approximately 713 kg more than 1999 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 GMC Safari 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 1998 GMC Safari. 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, 1998 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour. 1998 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 1999 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1999 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 GMC Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Contour | 1998 GMC Safari | |
| Make | Ford | GMC |
| Model | Contour | Safari |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2830 mm |
