1998 Ford Contour vs. 2006 Opel Astra
To start off, 2006 Opel Astra is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Contour would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2006 Opel Astra. (168 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2006 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Astra weights approximately 104 kg more than 1998 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, 2006 Opel Astra (250 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2006 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2006 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Contour | Astra |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 224 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 52 L |
