1997 Ford Contour vs. 2003 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2003 Opel Vectra is newer by 6 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 77 more horse power than 2003 Opel Vectra. (123 HP @ 3250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Vectra weights approximately 243 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, 2003 Opel Vectra (280 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2003 Opel Vectra has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Opel Vectra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2003 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Contour | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1633 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
