1996 Ford Contour vs. 2002 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2002 Opel Vectra is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Contour would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Contour (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2002 Opel Vectra. (125 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2002 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Opel Vectra weights approximately 123 kg more than 1996 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, 2002 Opel Vectra (280 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Contour | 2002 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Contour | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2500 mm |
