2009 Fiat Idea vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 2009 Fiat Idea is newer by 11 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2009 Fiat Idea. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2009 Fiat Idea. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 92 kg more than 2009 Fiat Idea. 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, 2009 Fiat Idea (260 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Fiat Idea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat Idea | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Idea | Contour |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | 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 | 1150 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2710 mm |
