1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 630 kg more than 1961 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Austin A 40 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 1961 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Ford Contour (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 40 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 40 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
