1963 Austin Mini Cooper vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Austin Mini Cooper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Austin Mini Cooper 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 (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1963 Austin Mini Cooper. (67 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1963 Austin Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 624 kg more than 1963 Austin Mini Cooper. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Austin Mini Cooper. (84 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Austin Mini Cooper. 1997 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 1963 Austin Mini Cooper has manual transmission. 1963 Austin Mini Cooper 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:
| 1963 Austin Mini Cooper | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | Mini Cooper | Contour |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1071 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2710 mm |
