1997 Ford Contour vs. 1956 Morris Minor
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Morris Minor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Morris Minor would be higher. At 1,987 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1956 Morris Minor. (36 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1956 Morris Minor. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 452 kg more than 1956 Morris Minor. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Morris Minor 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 1956 Morris Minor. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Morris Minor. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Morris Minor.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Contour | 1956 Morris Minor | |
Make | Ford | Morris |
Model | Contour | Minor |
Year Released | 1997 | 1956 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1987 cc | 948 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 36 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 68 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 790 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3770 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1560 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1530 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2190 mm |