1998 Ford Contour vs. 2008 Opel Insignia
To start off, 2008 Opel Insignia is newer by 10 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Opel Insignia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Opel Insignia (217 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Opel Insignia should accelerate faster 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, 2008 Opel Insignia (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Opel Insignia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2008 Opel Insignia has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Opel Insignia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2008 Opel Insignia | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Contour | Insignia |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 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 | 1400 mm | 1498 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2737 mm |
