1996 Ford Contour vs. 1973 Mazda 1000
To start off, 1996 Ford Contour is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mazda 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mazda 1000 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 80 more horse power than 1973 Mazda 1000. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1973 Mazda 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Contour weights approximately 528 kg more than 1973 Mazda 1000. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Mazda 1000 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 Mazda 1000. 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 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mazda 1000. (77 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mazda 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Contour | 1973 Mazda 1000 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Contour | 1000 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 714 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2270 mm |
