1997 Ford Contour vs. 1977 Opel Monza
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Opel Monza. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Opel Monza 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 (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1977 Opel Monza. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1977 Opel Monza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Opel Monza weights approximately 21 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 1977 Opel Monza 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 1977 Opel Monza. 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 (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Opel Monza. (162 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Opel Monza. 1997 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 1977 Opel Monza has manual transmission. 1977 Opel Monza will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1977 Opel Monza | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Contour | Monza |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2550 mm |
