1999 Ford Contour vs. 1999 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, both 1999 Ford Contour and 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 were released in the same year (1999). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 108 kg more than 1999 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour. 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 1999 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1999 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Contour | 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Ford | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Contour | 156 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2600 mm |
