1969 Ford Mustang vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1969 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1969 Ford Mustang. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1969 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Ford Mustang weights approximately 26 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 1969 Ford Mustang 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 1969 Ford Mustang. 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, 1969 Ford Mustang (257 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1969 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Ford Mustang | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Contour |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1416 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2710 mm |
