1997 Ford Contour vs. 1974 Ford Capri
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Capri 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 94 more horse power than 1974 Ford Capri. (106 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 270 kg more than 1974 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Ford Capri 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 1974 Ford Capri. 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 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Capri. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1974 Ford Capri | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Contour | Capri |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2560 mm |
