1998 Ford Contour vs. 2005 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Polo 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 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 67 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Polo. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 104 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Polo. 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 Volkswagen Polo (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Polo 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 Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Contour | Polo |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1307 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 45 L |
