1996 Ford Contour vs. 1974 Toyota Corona
To start off, 1996 Ford Contour is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 2,189 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Toyota Corona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Contour (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1974 Toyota Corona. (96 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1974 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Contour weights approximately 42 kg more than 1974 Toyota Corona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Toyota Corona 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 Toyota Corona. 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 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Toyota Corona. (162 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Toyota Corona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Contour | 1974 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Contour | Corona |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2510 mm |
