2003 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider 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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider (236 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 228 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 Spider (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Spider | Contour |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 236 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
