1997 Ford Contour vs. 2009 Opel Insignia
To start off, 2009 Opel Insignia is newer by 12 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 23 more horse power than 2009 Opel Insignia. (177 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2009 Opel Insignia.
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, 1997 Ford Contour (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Opel Insignia. (230 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Opel Insignia. 2009 Opel Insignia 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. 2009 Opel Insignia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2009 Opel Insignia | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Contour | Insignia |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1856 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1498 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2737 mm |
