1997 Ford Contour vs. 1999 Opel Signum
To start off, 1999 Opel Signum is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Contour would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1999 Opel Signum. (99 HP @ 3120 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1999 Opel Signum. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Opel Signum weights approximately 205 kg more than 1997 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, 1999 Opel Signum (240 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1999 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1999 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Contour | Signum |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 3120 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1595 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
