1996 Fiat Marea vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Fiat Marea. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Fiat Marea would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1996 Fiat Marea. (145 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat Marea. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 156 kg more than 1996 Fiat Marea. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat Marea. (186 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat Marea.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat Marea | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Marea | Contour |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6625 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 54 L |
