1997 Ford Contour vs. 1970 Volkswagen 411
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 411. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 411 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 411. (80 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 411. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 147 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen 411. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Volkswagen 411 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 Volkswagen 411. 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 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 411. (131 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 411.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1970 Volkswagen 411 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Contour | 411 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1679 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 66 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
