1961 Maserati 3500 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 Maserati 3500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Maserati 3500 would be higher. At 3,485 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Maserati 3500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Maserati 3500 (232 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Maserati 3500 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Maserati 3500 weights approximately 88 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Maserati 3500 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 Maserati 3500. 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, 1961 Maserati 3500 (320 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1961 Maserati 3500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1997 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 1961 Maserati 3500 has manual transmission. 1961 Maserati 3500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1961 Maserati 3500 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
Make | Maserati | Ford |
Model | 3500 | Contour |
Year Released | 1961 | 1997 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3485 cc | 1989 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 232 HP | 125 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 320 Nm | 180 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1242 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2710 mm |