1997 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider 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 51 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. (144 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 61 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. 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 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Spider | Contour |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6625 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
