1997 Ford Contour vs. 1961 Maserati 3500
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Maserati 3500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Maserati 3500 would be higher. At 3,485 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Maserati 3500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Maserati 3500 (232 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Maserati 3500 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Maserati 3500 weights approximately 16 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Maserati 3500 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 1961 Maserati 3500. 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, 1961 Maserati 3500 (320 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1961 Maserati 3500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1997 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 1961 Maserati 3500 has manual transmission. 1961 Maserati 3500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Contour | 1961 Maserati 3500 | |
Make | Ford | Maserati |
Model | Contour | 3500 |
Year Released | 1997 | 1961 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2544 cc | 3485 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 168 HP | 232 HP |
Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 220 Nm | 320 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 1330 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2610 mm |