2000 Ford Falcon vs. 1996 Ford Contour
To start off, 2000 Ford Falcon is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Contour would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 2000 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Ford Falcon (268 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1996 Ford Contour. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Ford Falcon weights approximately 56 kg more than 1996 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 Ford Falcon 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 2000 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 2000 Ford Falcon (420 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Ford Falcon | 1996 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Falcon | Contour |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1298 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2710 mm |
