1998 Ford Contour vs. 1948 Morris Minor
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Morris Minor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Morris Minor would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1948 Morris Minor. (27 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1948 Morris Minor. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 452 kg more than 1948 Morris Minor. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1948 Morris Minor 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 1948 Morris Minor. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Morris Minor. (53 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Morris Minor.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 1948 Morris Minor | |
| Make | Ford | Morris |
| Model | Contour | Minor |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1948 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 918 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 27 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 53 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2190 mm |
