1970 De Tomaso Pantera vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 De Tomaso Pantera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 De Tomaso Pantera would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 De Tomaso Pantera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 De Tomaso Pantera (350 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 De Tomaso Pantera should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 8 kg more than 1970 De Tomaso Pantera.
Because 1970 De Tomaso Pantera 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 De Tomaso Pantera. 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, 1970 De Tomaso Pantera (491 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1970 De Tomaso Pantera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 De Tomaso Pantera | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Ford |
| Model | Pantera | Contour |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 491 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 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 | 1382 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2710 mm |
