1962 Chevrolet Corvette 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 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,354 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette (251 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 75 kg more than 1962 Chevrolet Corvette.
Because 1962 Chevrolet Corvette 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 Chevrolet Corvette. 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 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1962 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Chevrolet Corvette | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Corvette | Contour |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5354 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2710 mm |
