1996 Ford Contour vs. 2008 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2008 Opel Meriva is newer by 12 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Contour (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2008 Opel Meriva. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2008 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Opel Meriva weights approximately 138 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, 1996 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Opel Meriva. (166 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Contour | 2008 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Contour | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2640 mm |
