2008 Chevrolet Lumina vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Lumina is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Contour would be higher. At 5,967 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet Lumina is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chevrolet Lumina weights approximately 540 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour.
Because 2008 Chevrolet Lumina 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 2008 Chevrolet Lumina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2008 Chevrolet Lumina (530 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Chevrolet Lumina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2008 Chevrolet Lumina has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Chevrolet Lumina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Lumina | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Lumina | Contour |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5967 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 135 HP |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1782 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2710 mm |
