1968 Abarth 1300 vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Abarth 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Abarth 1300 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 127 more horse power than 1968 Abarth 1300. (73 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1968 Abarth 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 720 kg more than 1968 Abarth 1300. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Abarth 1300 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 1968 Abarth 1300. 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 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Abarth 1300. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Abarth 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Abarth 1300 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Abarth | Ford |
| Model | 1300 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1280 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 670 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2050 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 55 L |
