1998 Ford Contour vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 413 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.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (370 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Contour | Passat |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1824 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 80 L |
