1998 Ford Contour vs. 2005 Suzuki Alto
To start off, 2005 Suzuki Alto 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, 1998 Ford Contour (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2005 Suzuki Alto. (51 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2005 Suzuki Alto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 602 kg more than 2005 Suzuki Alto. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Suzuki Alto is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Suzuki Alto will offer significantly more control. 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 (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Suzuki Alto. (56 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Suzuki Alto.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2005 Suzuki Alto | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Contour | Alto |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 657 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 56 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.9 mm | 65 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2340 mm |
