1998 Ford Contour vs. 2005 Seat Altea
To start off, 2005 Seat Altea is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Contour would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Seat Altea (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Seat Altea should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Seat Altea weights approximately 188 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour. 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, 2005 Seat Altea (310 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Seat Altea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2005 Seat Altea | |
| Make | Ford | Seat |
| Model | Contour | Altea |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2600 mm |
