1997 Ford Contour vs. 1970 Ford Escort
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1970 Ford Escort. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 585 kg more than 1970 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Ford Escort 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 1970 Ford Escort. 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 (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1970 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Contour | Escort |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2400 mm |
