1998 Ford Contour vs. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 8 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan (201 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 341 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, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan (265 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2006 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Contour | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1752 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
