1998 Ford Contour vs. 2011 Aston Martin Virage
To start off, 2011 Aston Martin Virage is newer by 13 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 5,900 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Aston Martin Virage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Aston Martin Virage (490 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 295 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Aston Martin Virage should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Aston Martin Virage weights approximately 374 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 2011 Aston Martin Virage is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 Aston Martin Virage. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2011 Aston Martin Virage (569 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 345 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2011 Aston Martin Virage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2011 Aston Martin Virage 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. 2011 Aston Martin Virage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2011 Aston Martin Virage | |
| Make | Ford | Aston Martin |
| Model | Contour | Virage |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 5900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 490 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 569 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1283 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2741 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 78 L |
