1997 Ford Contour vs. 1972 Toyota Century
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Toyota Century would be higher. At 2,981 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Toyota Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1972 Toyota Century. (127 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1972 Toyota Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Toyota Century weights approximately 564 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 1972 Toyota Century 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 1972 Toyota Century. 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, 1972 Toyota Century (250 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Toyota Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1972 Toyota Century | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Contour | Century |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1987 cc | 2981 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1806 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2870 mm |
