2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 7 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 77 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 Ford Contour (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | Contour |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6625 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1416 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 54 L |
