1973 Austin Marina vs. 1996 Ford Contour
To start off, 1996 Ford Contour is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Austin Marina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Austin Marina would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Contour (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1973 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1973 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Contour weights approximately 362 kg more than 1973 Austin Marina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Austin Marina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Austin Marina. (103 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
1973 Austin Marina | 1996 Ford Contour | |
Make | Austin | Ford |
Model | Marina | Contour |
Year Released | 1973 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1989 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 59 HP | 129 HP |
Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 103 Nm | 180 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 84.8 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 88 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1242 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2710 mm |