1998 Ford Contour vs. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 10 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, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 43 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, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 (182 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Ford | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Contour | 156 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.9 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 91 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2600 mm |
