1997 Ford Contour vs. 1973 Pontiac Bonneville
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Pontiac Bonneville. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Pontiac Bonneville would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Bonneville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1973 Pontiac Bonneville. (185 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1973 Pontiac Bonneville. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Bonneville weights approximately 600 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 1973 Pontiac Bonneville 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 1973 Pontiac Bonneville. 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, 1973 Pontiac Bonneville (484 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1973 Pontiac Bonneville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1973 Pontiac Bonneville has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Pontiac Bonneville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1973 Pontiac Bonneville | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Contour | Bonneville |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 484 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3210 mm |
