2005 Ford Fiesta vs. 1996 Ford Contour
To start off, 2005 Ford Fiesta is newer by 9 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Contour (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2005 Ford Fiesta. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Contour weights approximately 108 kg more than 2005 Ford Fiesta. 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, 2005 Ford Fiesta (208 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Fiesta | 1996 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Fiesta | Contour |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2710 mm |
