2006 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1999 Ford Contour
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Ford Contour would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 (182 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 373 kg more than 1999 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, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1999 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 159 | Contour |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | 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 | 1615 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
