1998 Ford Contour vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 14 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 3,195 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (256 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 437 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 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (322 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Ford Contour | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
Make | Ford | Alfa Romeo |
Model | Contour | 159 |
Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2544 cc | 3195 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 195 HP | 256 HP |
Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 6200 RPM |
Torque | 224 Nm | 322 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1848 kg |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |