1968 Ford Zephyr 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 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1968 Ford Zephyr. (81 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Ford Zephyr weights approximately 12 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 1968 Ford Zephyr 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 Ford Zephyr. 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 (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Zephyr. (153 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
1968 Ford Zephyr | 1997 Ford Contour | |
Make | Ford | Ford |
Model | Zephyr | Contour |
Year Released | 1968 | 1997 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1987 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 81 HP | 135 HP |
Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 153 Nm | 180 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1242 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2710 mm |