1999 Ford Contour vs. 2001 Opel Astra
To start off, 2001 Opel Astra is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Ford Contour would be higher. At 3,998 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Opel Astra (437 HP @ 7350 RPM) has 237 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Contour weights approximately 242 kg more than 2001 Opel Astra.
Because 2001 Opel Astra is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2001 Opel Astra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Ford Contour, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2001 Opel Astra (531 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 307 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2001 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Contour | 2001 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Contour | Astra |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 3998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 437 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 7350 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 61 L |
