1997 Ford Contour vs. 1973 Seat 1430
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Seat 1430. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Seat 1430 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 31 more horse power than 1973 Seat 1430. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1973 Seat 1430. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 277 kg more than 1973 Seat 1430. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Seat 1430 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 Seat 1430. 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 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Seat 1430. (128 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Seat 1430.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1973 Seat 1430 | |
| Make | Ford | Seat |
| Model | Contour | 1430 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1592 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 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 | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2430 mm |
