1974 Ford Capri vs. 2000 Ford Contour
To start off, 2000 Ford Contour is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Ford Contour (201 HP) has 147 more horse power than 1974 Ford Capri. (54 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Ford Contour weights approximately 433 kg more than 1974 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Ford Capri 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 1974 Ford Capri. 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 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Capri. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Capri | 2000 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Capri | Contour |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 201 HP |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 985 kg | 1418 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2760 mm |
