1962 AC Cobra vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,265 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 AC Cobra (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 330 kg more than 1962 AC Cobra.
Because 1962 AC Cobra 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 1962 AC Cobra. 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, 1962 AC Cobra (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1962 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1997 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 1962 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1962 AC Cobra 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:
1962 AC Cobra | 1997 Ford Contour | |
Make | AC | Ford |
Model | Cobra | Contour |
Year Released | 1962 | 1997 |
Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4265 cc | 2544 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 256 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
Torque | 365 Nm | 220 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1314 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2710 mm |