2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 6 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 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 114 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour.
Because 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 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, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | Contour |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6625 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 54 L |
