2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Contour would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 23 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
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, 1997 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | Contour |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2710 mm |
