1962 Alfa Romeo 2600 vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Alfa Romeo 2600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Alfa Romeo 2600 would be higher. At 2,584 cc (6 cylinders), 1962 Alfa Romeo 2600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1962 Alfa Romeo 2600. (163 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1962 Alfa Romeo 2600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 275 kg more than 1962 Alfa Romeo 2600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Alfa Romeo 2600 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 1962 Alfa Romeo 2600. 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 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Alfa Romeo 2600. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Alfa Romeo 2600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Alfa Romeo 2600 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 2600 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2584 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 55 L |
