1998 Ford Contour vs. 2009 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima is newer by 11 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 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Altima weights approximately 204 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, 2009 Nissan Altima (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2009 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Contour | Altima |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.9 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 81.4 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 | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1446 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
