1997 Ford Contour vs. 1968 Ford GT 40
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford GT 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford GT 40 would be higher. At 4,948 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Ford GT 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford GT 40 (424 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 224 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford GT 40 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 430 kg more than 1968 Ford GT 40.
Because 1968 Ford GT 40 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 1968 Ford GT 40. 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, 1968 Ford GT 40 (637 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 406 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1968 Ford GT 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1968 Ford GT 40 | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Contour | GT 40 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 4948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 424 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 637 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 980 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 125 L |
