1970 Austin 3 vs. 2000 Ford Contour
To start off, 2000 Ford Contour is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Austin 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Austin 3 would be higher. At 2,910 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Austin 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Ford Contour (201 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1970 Austin 3. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1970 Austin 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Austin 3 weights approximately 72 kg more than 2000 Ford Contour.
Because 1970 Austin 3 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 1970 Austin 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2000 Ford Contour (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Austin 3. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Austin 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Austin 3 | 2000 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1418 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 54 L |
