2006 Fiat Croma vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 2006 Fiat Croma is newer by 8 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 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Fiat Croma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Fiat Croma (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Fiat Croma should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Fiat Croma weights approximately 343 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, 2006 Fiat Croma (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Fiat Croma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 1998 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 2006 Fiat Croma has manual transmission. 2006 Fiat Croma will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Fiat Croma | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Croma | Contour |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | 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 | 145 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 84.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
