1997 Ford Contour vs. 1980 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen 1302 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 166 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 640 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen 1302. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Volkswagen 1302 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 1980 Volkswagen 1302. 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 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen 1302. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen 1302.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1980 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Contour | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
