2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 5 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 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (195 HP @ 6625 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 139 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.
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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 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. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 166 | Contour |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6625 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 236 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 54 L |
