1999 Ford Contour vs. 2003 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2003 Opel Meriva is newer by 4 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 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (101 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Contour weights approximately 12 kg more than 2003 Opel Meriva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1999 Ford Contour (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Meriva. (150 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Contour | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Contour | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| 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 | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 53 L |
