1998 Ford Contour vs. 2012 Audi R8
To start off, 2012 Audi R8 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 5,200 cc (10 cylinders), 2012 Audi R8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi R8 (560 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 432 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi R8 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Audi R8 weights approximately 283 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 Audi R8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Audi R8 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 Audi R8 (539 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 359 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Audi R8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2012 Audi R8 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. 2012 Audi R8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2012 Audi R8 | |
| Make | Ford | Audi |
| Model | Contour | R8 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 5200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 560 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 539 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4435 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1267 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2649 mm |
