1972 Austin Marina vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Austin Marina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Austin Marina 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 119 more horse power than 1972 Austin Marina. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1972 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 480 kg more than 1972 Austin Marina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Austin Marina 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 1972 Austin Marina. 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 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Austin Marina. (145 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Austin Marina | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | Marina | Contour |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2710 mm |
