1989 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 1999 Ford Contour
To start off, 1999 Ford Contour is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ would be higher. At 2,957 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Contour weights approximately 132 kg more than 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ.
Because 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ 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 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Alfa Romeo SZ | 1999 Ford Contour | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
Model | SZ | Contour |
Year Released | 1989 | 1999 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2957 cc | 2544 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 208 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 245 Nm | 224 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5625 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82.4 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1392 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2760 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 56 L |