1996 Ford Contour vs. 1972 Mitsubishi Minica
To start off, 1996 Ford Contour is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mitsubishi Minica 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 98 more horse power than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. (31 HP @ 8500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Contour weights approximately 727 kg more than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Mitsubishi Minica 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 Mitsubishi Minica. 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 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica. (32 Nm @ 6500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Contour | 1972 Mitsubishi Minica | |
| Make | Ford | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Contour | Minica |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 32 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2010 mm |
