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Can't comment on the Mondeo, but I took ownership of a 2.2 Direct Vectra Sri in March after owning a VW Passat 1.9TDi (130).The Vectra is a nice car to look at and is a fairly nice car to drive (although I have just posted a problem related to my Timing chain tensioner).However,it definitely is not what I woudl call "fast".It feels underpowered unless you hit high revs.The Passat was possibly the worst "built" car I have owned and I am not alone in my workplace for feeling this.Yes,it had loads of torque, but I had so many problems with it,that once it was out of Warranty, it had to go.For looks alone, I would go for the NEW passat first,the Vectra 2nd and then the Mondeo, but to drive I couldn't say.It is a personal thing.The new Vectra is out soon and a "facelift" for the Mondeo can't be far away if not on the horizon already.
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I do think that Vauxhall are currently leading Ford on the styling front - Ford have been much too conservative with the new focus, for example.
The real test for me is after six months. Would I choose the same car given a second chance, or am I counting down the months to the end of the lease. I'd take another Mondeo.
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I have a 53 Vectra 2.0T SRi, I used to run a Y plate 1.8LX Mondeo. I prefer the more conservative, slabby looks of the Vectra. Mine has 17" multispoke wheels, half leather and rear spoiler which improves the cars looks IMO. I do think the Mondeo STs and Ghia Xs look good as well.
I think the build quality of the Vauxhall is better in terms of quality of materials used and their durability. I also had a number of problems with my Mondeo which makes it the worst car I've ever owned in that respect! However the Mondeo was/is a good drive, better than the Vectra on A roads although the Vectra excels on the motorway in terms of low revving and noise levels - if comfort is your thing.
I don't like the look of the facilifted Vectra, I prefer the front of the existing model. As Dave says the SXi is a base model with alloys and sports seats, if you want lowered suspension and the toys inside look at the SRi and GSi variants
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That's a very fetching shade of pink I must say but no reflection on me whatsoever. One of those cheery little scamps has been experimenting :-) As long as it isn't boring black then who am I to argue?
Thanks everyone for your comments. It seems clear cut then really. A shame as I really like the look of the Vectra - I really like the look of the new Astra too - wipes the floor with the new Focus but that's another matter.
The only Mondeo I'd have is an ST220 and even then, I'd question spending that much money on one.
Academic really given I don't have a penny to my name.
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Adam
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I wouldn't say it's clear cut at all - they're both different cars with different driving characteristics. It all depends on what you want from it
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Now, re looks, I do like the look of the just announced facelifted Vectra from the pics I have seen, I also liked the looks of the '95 on Vectra particularly, say a 2000 ish SRi, tastefully sporty where as the GSi was/is OTT.
Re the Mondeo I prefer the pre facelift current Mondeo though the best looker by far is the Zetec S (which I would have chosen instead on my Ghia X but for equipment levels / options), the Zetec S did not change much when the rest were faclifted except that it is now better equipped and is tastfully sporty where as the ST TDCi and ST 220 are a bit OTT.
A Zetec S 3.0 V6 or TDCi is an understated, though sporty and very capable car.
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When I worked for Ford I had a Vectra as a demo for a week once, not really sure how it happened I just sort of drifted into it whilst my usual Fusion *spit* was out on loan.
It was only a 1.8 LS but I really didn't mind it, that week I was making a much larger commute than normal up and down the A19 for training so I appreciated having the larger car. I found it pretty comfortable on the fast roads, plenty of scope for seat adjustment etc.
On the twisty back roads however I did lose faith in it, it seemed to wallow everywhere and I had little confidence in it's handling, the thing was struggling with drivng that a Mondeo LX would take in it's stride.
However, apart from the handling on the twisty bits I did like it, and even the 1.8 engine made quite a nice tone in the cabin, as opposed to the Ford one which really doesn't sound that impressive.
The only major problem I had was that the ABS failed if you drove for more than a minute or two above 60mph, once it had gone off I found braking a whole new experience, I don't know why but I couldn't seem to judge the brakes very well at all and ended up skidding with clouds of smoke on two or three occasions when I didn't even realise the fronts had locked. I put this mainly down to the lack of feedback that I was picking up from the car, it was very difficult to tell what it was actually doing, plus it obviously had quite a bad fault so I'm not sure how this affected the braking system.
Adski - I thought I made it into the top 3 Ford fans on the board too :-(
Blue
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My last three cars! Passat 1.8T SE. Unreliable and noisy (the dashboard-not the engine). MG ZT-I really miss it, it was a great car. Replaced with a Vectra 2.2 direct SRi. Got the Vectra because they stand up well to the thrashing we give them at work and was swayed by the leather and colour sat nav. (Two months old, for the price of a four year old, poverty spec BMW). I've found it to be an excellent family car and it's pretty comfortable (even with 19" alloys). I miss the torque of the ZTs V6, but overall it's a les tiring car to drive with fuel economy showing 36.6mpg over 1800 miles. I don't regret buying it for a moment.
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Oh! And this is my 381st post. So there!!!
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But only 67 threads, I should pay more attention.
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When looking for a replacement car (to last at least 6 years) I considered the Vectra Cdti 150 and the Mondeo 130. In my humble opinion the Ford felt much less substantial while the Vauxhall felt much more solid.
Comparing the SRI and the Zetec there was very little to choose between them on roadholding as both are far more than capable of coping with anything but suicidal speeds (and even more 'cos I chickened out on both) on our North Wales roads.
The things that swung the balance for me were
i) The Vectra was much quieter at speed due to far less wind noise.
ii) The vectra did not have the wired front screen. I could not help focusing on it. A danger in my view.
iii) The Vectra has bloated less than the Mondeo and is a few inches shorter. Makes manouvering far easier.
iv) When reversing into a 90 degree parking space the Vectra has, due to the small rear quarterlight, much better visibility. This matters despite having held, and used, a PCV lcence for nearly 20 years.
No prizes for guessing what I bought
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Adski and Wild Welsh Person (Cymro Gwyllt)... :-)
I quite like the current Vectra and even though stereo and trim said to be cheap it has an easy to use display and buttons. I previosuly had a Passat 1.8T Sport but the sport bit was a joke 'cos it doesn't like even mild cornering at a bit of speed.
Now have 2.0 TDCi Mondeo becauase:
1. Youngest thought there was no leg room in back of a loan Vectra two years ago and he's grown since. He's 16 soon.
2. Mondeo does handle better even without wanting to push it --- I'd back off first in this car!
3. Mondeo had a Euro IV diesel in 2003 and Vectra didn't even have common rail injection!
Taking the choice tomorrow... I might get the 150PS Vectra estate but then the Mondeo is said to develop around 147PS anyway.
BTW at spead the Mondeo TDCi is pretty quiet and you don't notice the heated front screen quickly.
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The front screen never bothers me - I have one on the Focus and without crossing my eyes, can't see it. Until my uncle had to get rid of his work's Focus I thought you were all crazy ;-)
Just when you think it swings the Mondeo's way, people start sticking up for the Vectra!
I'm almost glad I don't have to make the decision tomorrow!
I'm one of these people who'd much rather sacrafice a little comfort and quietness if I knew I could put faith in the car. My next car would have to handle as well as if not better than the Focus which the Mondeo does and the Vectra does or doesn't depending on who you speak to!
Many thanks for all of your replies. They certainly make interesting reading.
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Adam
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In my humble opinion the Ford felt much less substantial while the Vauxhall felt much more solid.
Reckon there is little in it in that regard, both compare well with Passats etc.
Comparing the SRI and the Zetec there was very little to choose between them on roadholding as both are far more than capable of coping with anything but suicidal speeds (and even more 'cos I chickened out on both) on our North Wales roads.
Both are capable of such speeds though the Mondeo is much better balanced and ultimately has more grip and more feel.
The things that swung the balance for me were i) The Vectra was much quieter at speed due to far less wind noise.
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Perhaps so.
ii) The vectra did not have the wired front screen. I could not help focusing on it. A danger in my view.
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You will regret it when it is -2 deg/C outside.
iii) The Vectra has bloated less than the Mondeo and is a few inches shorter. Makes manouvering far easier. iv) When reversing into a 90 degree parking space the Vectra has, due to the small rear quarterlight, much better visibility.
I disagree, the Vectra hatch looks bigger than the Mondeo even though it is not, I have not had any problem parking my Mondeo hatch.
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You will regret it when it is -2 deg/C outside.
Are de-icer and scrapers obsolete then ;o)
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Are de-icer and scrapers obsolete then ;o)
For most Ford owners, yes!
:o)
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I have to say, I was cynical at first. As was Dad. "Why not use de-icer?" he said.
But watching the screen in action is amazing. Everything gone in half a minute! It's also quite handy for the days when the inside of the windscreen has misted up but you don't want the aircon on, just whack that on and it's gone.
If I were looking at two Fords, and the lack of a quick clear screen didn't mean guge spec differences, the screen would swing it for me. I hate myself for saying so but it would. Short of aircon, that comes second on my most wanted list I think.
Now I will go and find one of my gadgets to tinker around with :-)
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Adam
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But watching the screen in action is amazing. Everything gone in half a minute!
But shirley you still have to scrape/de-ice the side windows?
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No :-) I park at the side of the house so in all but the most fierce frosts, I've saved from that. The trick is to be the first one home so you're not parked out in the open ;-)
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Adam
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The trick is to be the first one home so you're not parked out in the open ;-)
Don't have that problem, providing some git hasn't parked across my garage door.
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I do - and I call him Dad.
The garage has to have his beloved bike (which ironically has more sercurity than his loved ones in the house). The first one home get's first spec by the garage. The second one gets to park on the drive but stuck in the open so is completely frosted over come Winter time.
Having said that, the way things are going, quickclear screens aren't going to be needed soon.
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Adam
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I quite like the looks of the new Vectra and having been raised on Vauxhalls (Dad has owned one or more Victors, Ventoras and Vivas for as long as I have known him), I have to admit I am still drawn to the name, but after sitting in one at the local main dealer there is no way I would ever have one. The driver's "space" was far too cramped for that class of car which I can only put down to lack of adequate seat and steering column adjustment.
The Mondeo on the other hand feels acres larger in comparison and is very easy to get in and out of (the main bugbear I have with almost every car).
I have never driven a new Vectra, so I can't comment on that aspect, but the Mondeos I drove were not as satisfying as their comfort, but that was mainly due to the driveability of the diesel engines they had.
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The driver's "space" was far too cramped for that class of car which I can only put down to lack of adequate seat and steering column adjustment.
Are you being serious? Reach and rake steering adjust, as well as seat height adjust on even the basic models.
In mine there is bags of room in the drivers space. People who know me, know that I'm larger than the average bear boo boo ;o)
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Yes, very serious. The seat and steering do adjust, but not enough for me to not feel cramped behind the wheel. I guess its a Vauxhall thing as the new shape Astra lacks the driver space of its competitors Focus and Golf
I definately don't know you, but I do know now that I am larger than someone who is larger than the average bear.
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but I do know now that I am larger than someone who is larger than the average bear.
;o)
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But neither are as cramped as the Jag X-Type. Snugger than a bug etc etc....
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The same applies to all Jags as far as I am concerned. I am physically unable to drive an XK8.
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I won't lie to you, I've been seriously put off any Vectra in the future whether rightly or wrongly.
What about the Omega? A nice MV6 has always appealed to me. Better/Same or worse than the Veccy?
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Adam
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I won't lie to you, I've been seriously put off any Vectra in the future whether rightly or wrongly.
Right, that's you off my Christmas card list then.
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"Trancer, how big are you? I'm a very ordinary 5' 9" and felt like a midget sitting in the Vectra."
I am 6'5", but more importantly about 22-23 stone if I have figured the conversion out right. Before I get in *any* car I always wind/push/slide/pump the seat as far back and as low as it will go, I sometimes recline the seatback a fair bit too as that aids in entry/exit. The steering column is also lifted to its highest position. With those adjustments to their "max" I then try to get in and out of the car. I also work the clutch to check for left knee clearance.
Mondeos, Passats and Avensis seem to be the roomiest in that class of car, with the Vectra, 406 and Laguna being much more cramped. Likewise, I find the Focus and Fiesta "roomier" than the Astra/Corsa. I put roomier in quotations as I am sure someone will find some manufacturer spec that shows the Astra to have more interior space than the Focus, but what matters to me is how I fit in it.
I can only assume that the range of seat and steering adjustment is not as great in the Vectra as it is in the Mondeo. The Vectra may well be cavernous inside, but if I can't adjust the seat to my comfort, then all the cabin space around me is meaningless.
Before any Vauxhall (or Peugeot and Renault) loyalists think I rubbishing their cars, my own BMW 5201 (old E34 shape) is also quite cramped inside, but I bought it anyway as there were other things going for it (good price!!)
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Sorry Dave. I'll tell you what. You lend me yours for a week and I'll see if I like it ;-)
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Adam
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Adam,
It wouldn't suit you. It's a hatchback.
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Hi Guys
Right! As DD knows I have a Vectra SXI 53 plate. I have had it coming up on a year now and covered 14k miles in it since the keys got given to me.
I had a 97 Mondeo before that and I have been in and driven the latest Mondeo as well and I can compare both if it helps.
1. Handling - Mondeo wins hands down without question. The car is a real drivers car which involves you all the time in what the front wheels are doing.Its a positive driving experience.It exudes confidence going round both tight and long sweeping bends.
Vectra is more of a sedate cruiser and I simply don't feel confident in throwing around.I don't feel that the feedback transmitted from the steering is accurate and precise enough (and yes tracking etc is all ok).Mine is shod with standard alloys and Bridgestone Turanza 215 55 16 93H which are excellent in all weathers (better than the conti's I had on the mondeo)
2.Comfort - Vectra wins this - extremely quiet and smooth - excellent for transporting passengers.
Mondeo here IMHO is only average.
3.Build Quality - Vectra wins again- simply put together better and feels and looks more solid. I agree with HJ that you do feel like a midget in the drivers seat - I am 5'10" and it's like I've been dropped in there and peer out over the door!
Only thing I don't like is that the indicators have a habit of cancelling themselves right when you don't want them to and also the speedo seems to be crammed with every number they could think of between 0 and 170!
4.Performance - this 1.8 is a 120bhp unit ( I believe) which is very good in pick up compared to my old Mondeo which had the 1.8 as well. I can't speak for the 2.2 unit that Vauxhall make but the 1.8 I have is adequate.
5.Buy another one? Well , I know we have a "new" Vectra coming out later this year with revised front end/cabin/suspension so I'll have a spin in that.
The new Mondeo is out next year and depending on how that drives/looks (seen the pics) I'll make a decision then.
At this moment in time though I would stick with my Vectra - it's a nice well built car that doesn't rattle,is smooth,quiet and has an excellent 7 speaker sound system.
Hope that helps!
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Oh and another thing! Quickclear screens are all very well until they start doing their barcode impression - gradually the elements start to fail (2/3 at a time) so when it gets to winter you can either replace the screen (again) or use de-icer.
The Vectra has a very handy "blast the windscreen with all the air the fan can muster" button which is just as good really!
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We've got a BMW with the same fan function as the Vectra, and it's not a patch on the quickclear screen of my old Fiesta.
My dad's a big BMW fan and even he admits that he misses the heated screen off his old Orion Ghia. I've no doubt that come the winter time I will miss my Ford a hell of a lot when I have to drive my BMW gently in all weathers and freeze my backside off scraping the windscreen in cold weather!
Blue
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Curse you Dave and your cutting replies!
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Adam
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