1997 Ford Contour vs. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Contour would be higher. At 1,987 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. (118 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 52 kg more than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. 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, 1997 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Ford | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Contour | 146 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1987 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2550 mm |
