Ford Probe vs Vauxhall Calibra - 90s Coupe Battle! (1994 2.0 & 1996 Opel 2.0 16v Auto Road Test)

[@patrickhostler5939]

I remember the Calibra coming out when I was a teenager… and I genuinely thought it looked amazing, sleeker than any BMW or Merc at the time. As you say, GM used to make some absolutely cool cars…

[@markeastwood74]

GM doesn't make many cool cars, but when they do, they're *really* cool!

[@marvinsamuels1237]

I liked the Calibra so much it was my ambition car; the one car I really had to own, even just for a short while. In the end it never happened, I ended up buying a mk3 MR2 instead. I really liked the styling of the Probe too, but didn't lust after it in quite the same way.

[@leejones1116]

I had a Probe 24v - still one of the best cars I've ever owned. would love to have one again today.

[@skip741x3]

I still have mine, 30 yrs later ..daily driven all these yrs... 94 gt 5psd all stock.

[@5Partida]

@@skip741x3 same here! I have a 95 pgt 5 speed all stock as well. So fun to drive everyday!

[@juzzylfcok252]

I own a calibra SE4 . Drive it of a weekend. Always puts a smile in my face

[@rabk5702]

I owned both Ford and Vauxhall motors in my day for me it would be the Calibra all day long 😁😁👍👍

[@darrenwilson8042]

I worked with a guy who had a Calbra 4x4 Turbo - that was proper scary

[@ChrisPatrick-q6k]

Does the Pwobe

[@Thorpeman]

I had a Probe for a week on trial the steering felt big and thin and the tires felt like you were driving a truck I had an MG (Montego) Turbo at the time & had had enough of blowing up engines, Turbo’s & Gear Boxes so was a genuine buyer then I had a 15 minute spin in a Calibra & that was enough it had stonking performance was comfortable nice steering wheel and felt great. I ordered it with the big wraparound tail spoiler which wasn’t a Vauxhall part so it had to have the tailgate reinforced and the spoiler had to be painted to match the car. I loved my MG turbo when it worked but whenever I went to an away game following Forest I as often as not came back with the AA but with the Calibra I had the same performance but also the reliability and disc brakes rather than the bonkers rear drum brakes of the MG 😂

[@Thorpeman]

@@darrenwilson8042 I had one 😊

[@bensmithkent22]

Calibra >> probe, puma >> tigra

[@watkinsrgv]

Worked on them at the Holden dealership I worked at. The looks were next level. Very well built. Timeless

[@markeastwood74]

I've always been a massive fan of fast Fords, so there's no doubt in my mind. I'd pick the Calibra. 🤗

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Fair enough!

[@markeastwood74]

@@ClassicsWorldUK swap the Probe out for a Cougar and I'd feel differently. They were really underappreciated and I'd consider getting another.

[@chrismitchell9114]

And don’t forget the calibra was also a rally car for a short time.

[@F4Insight-uq6nt]

A Cavalier Mk3 with a 2.0i engine is better than the Probe & the Calibra is basically a MK3 Cavalier Coupe that was available in Turbo 4x4 as well. So guess which I'm picking as best?

[@112ryan-lookatmymaincarchannel]

Oh yes i very much miss my Calibra

[@rebeldrummeruk]

As a young teenager, I was in awe when my dad turned up in his then brand new '93 Calibra 16v company car, in white with black leather. I was obsessed with it for the 3 years he had it. 7 years later I found that exact car for sale, and bought it for myself. Sadly it has been thrashed, was a bit tatty, and suffered from mayonnaise. I was gutted.

[@Ash-928]

I hope you restore it to its former glory.

[@rebeldrummeruk]

@@Ash-928 That was my plan, but we're talking about 20 years ago, when I was in my early twenties. I didn't have the money to restore it, let alone fix the knackered engine. I did manage to replace the side repeater lenses with OEM ones, and got some OEM alloy wheels, although they were the Mk2 5 spokes, rather than the original 15" ones. I only had it for 1 year, and sold it as was too far gone. Such a shame.

[@nulle.k]

My father had an ink blue/purple 4x4 turbo with cream colored leather, currently doing my best to restore it.

[@paulmurray7365]

Definitely the calibra ❤

[@robertmarsh3588]

Calibra every time. Gorgeous, well.made, fast, practical.

[@nealeburgess6756]

I had the privilage to be a mechanic on the European press launch of the Ford Probe. We were based at the Carlton hotel in Cannes, France. We had 10 16v red ones (like the one you tested) and 20 24v (V6) mettalic blue cars. Journalists came from all over Europe during our 5 weeks there, including Jeremy Clarkson and the Top Gear team. One positive memory was how smooth the V6 engine was. You started it up, even from cold, and it just purred. There was a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow in the hotel garage. The V6 Probe made the Rolls sound like a traction engine. A negative memory was that the sun roof was OK for posing around Cannes. But above 50 mph it was horrible. So noisy you had to close it. However, it was a great experience to see how Ford did a major launch. I suspect the lack of sales was caused by over-pricing it. The cost of the cars in the States was about half what it was marketed for in the UK.

[@kplkasteel]

I owned a Calibra 2.0 16V back in 1997 - 2004 when I was in my mid/late 20's. Bought it just after my first deployment to Bosnia with SFOR as at the time I had enlisted with the Royal Dutch Army and was stationed in Germany just between Hamburg and Bremen. Used to drive up and down from the west of The Netherlands every weekend. (Petrol for NATO military personal was very cheap). I loved the Calibra as it was incredibly fast. I did have had some work done on it though such a full front to end (Remus) sports exhaust, chip-tuned, K&N sports air filter assembly and finally also a replacement pipe for the catalytic converter. It was like a rocket ship and had it maxed at 270km/h on the German Autobahn. All my colleagues in their BMW's even the 325i and other sports card only saw my taillights. Still miss the car till this day and if I can ever get my hands on one again and my wife lets me, I'll be back in my mid 20's, sure bold, fat and grumpy but will feel like a 24y.o again.

[@garethbattersby]

I had a black Ford Probe back in the day and I remember telling friends in pub that ive just got a new car and some girl over heard us and said "Yeah yeah me too" as we were walking towards it. She pointed to my Probe and said "this one is mine here..." I said "Wow thats a nice car... its just like mine", as I unlocked it. Her mouth opened and she said "oh god I love these" The car got me a date with a random girl on the first day i had it... so for that reason alone it was great haha

[@mancsblue]

I had a calibra years ago and I can honestly say it was a brilliant car ,fun and practical at the same time

[@justinlambert1324]

Always loved Ford but the Calibra was and still is COOL 👍

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Agreed! -Joe

[@giulianomarco]

"Schnell" means "quick" or "fast". "Gehen!" is the imperative for "Go!". Now write it out a hundred times around the square before sunrise... 😋👍

[@EnthusiastCarHangar]

The Probe was never supposed to replace the Mustang. The Mustang has been around since the 60’s with no interruption.

[@davidarter6271]

That Calibra was a really wonderful car in its day. Terrific

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Agreed!

[@oldskooldayz]

I have a V6 calibra that I've bought in 2005, passes every mot, I don't think I'd ever sell her. These car's still look better that most cars today

[@TheTarrMan]

I used to have a second gen Ford Probe. Mine was just the four-cylinder (manual), but it was a phenomenal handling, fun car to drive. Glad to see it's getting love again. (If you get the updated second generation (96 or 97) the interior quality like on the door panels is much better.)

[@EnglishLaw]

Unfortunately, most were erased from history in 2009 during the scrapping scheme. It's a sad thought. Mine was stolen and never seen again, but I would have kept it. Unique car. I nearly chopped my fingers off on the pop up lights and the immobiliser would cut out at any time (although easy solder fix) but the thing would drive forever without any issues once the immo was fixed.

[@DjNikGnashers]

You have obviously not driven many cars in your lifetime if you think a damn Probe has 'phenomenal' handling , LOL .... Even older designed cars of that time, such as the Alfasud, were MUCH better handling. Something like a 1992 BMW E36 M3 was literally miles ahead than the very best Probe, much more power, better chassis, better suspension, better quality, rear wheel drive like a proper performance car. The Probe was a wimpy thing, for people who 'think it's a sports car' but don't really understand what real sports cars are. Same as the Hyundai coupe, people sticking loud exhausts on them, yet they were absolute crap.

[@ruk2023--]

I have a soft spot for Calibra's. My dad had one of the first 8v ones in silver in which was slow even to 10 year old me and then a family friend turned up in a red 16v a few years later with leather trim and alloy wheels and I just thought it was the coolest thing. Bit of a nerd fact but the 0.26cd is only for the 8v car. The other ones needed more cooling and had more open grills.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Yup, only in certain markets too

[@chrishart8548]

Did they actually come with steel wheels in the low spec versions.

[@Tobi-ln9xr]

Opel are very underrated unfortunately… They made a few of the coolest cars in the world.

[@forgedfulton4377]

Remember my dad coming home with a red Calibra. Absolutely loved it and so did my pals. Things must've gotten tough in the household as a few years later, it was traded for a 1.3 Fiesta. My dad must've realised the mistake, and pretty soon, we had a gun metal Cavalier Sri. It was lovely too.

[@spud912]

Iv owned 2 calibra's . A 91 H plate redtop in the 90's And i curently have a 16v eco in the same colour as the one you're driving (Northcape purple )

[@Ken_Dodds_Tickling_Stick]

Its the calibra for me. I still have my 1995 Calibra 2.5 V6 auto. Its in Olive Grey Titanium with black leather interior. Its now sitting at 123k and drives beautifully. The only downside is the auto box is a 3 speed and would ideally lile to change it. Other than that, people stare at it while im driving.

[@iannowell6802]

Keep with it bro

[@benceszekrenyes932]

I have 93 V6 Calibra in Red. Had it restored, put in a 3.2 v6 from a C vectra and paired it with the F28 gearbox from a turbo for that lovely 6th gear. Driven it for more than 85k kilometers in the last 5 years. It has bigger breakes (from an i500) and some light mod (KYB Ultra SR for shock absorbers and BBS RX 255 wheels). It's a blast to drive, and can suprise a lot of new cars if in a hurry. However the biggest problem is parts availabilty. No new radiators, have to make one custom, no engine mounts etc.

[@Ken_Dodds_Tickling_Stick]

@benceszekrenyes932 parts is a big issue for us here in the UK. I'm fortunate that i own a garage and I can source parts when needed. I also have spare engines etc and a full manual set up if I need to change it all.

[@Djeseret]

The auto box is a 4 speed, Digitally controlled from Japanese Aisin, the same type as in Lexus, with sport mode for three gears and anti-spin that starts in third gear. If it only has three gears, there is something wrong with it.

[@stuarthowarth2972]

From your excellent review, the Calibra. From a point of view of being a Toyota lover, any of the 90s Celicas. From my heart, the Rover R8 Tomcat

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

You're a man of taste, Stuart!

[@marcushull12]

I always loved the Tomcat and would have one today .

[@aston-martin-internationalist]

I like the Probe, but for me, it's the Calibra every single time. Such neat lines. Still such a lovely looking car. Much nicer range of engines and drivetrains. Just a shame about those 4D plates on this particular example! NB The X20XEV is not a red top, that'll be the earlier C20XE with the L shaped spark plug cover. 2.0 Turbo was only 4x4 although you could get the NA engine also with a 4x4 (8v). A 2.5 V6 was also available. It's based on the Cavalier GSi. Unlike the regular Cavaliers, the Cavalier GSi had IRS whereas the standard Cavalier had trailing rear arms. The Calibra had that IRS system irrespective of engine designated. It was only the 8v 2wd Calibra which garnered 'the most aerodynamic production car', the 16v models had a slightly higher drag coefficient - something to do with the engine trays I believe.

[@martinp8427]

I've read somewhere over the internet that the 2l 8v engine Calibra had a smaller radiator opening on the front bumper and other "aerodynamic trim" compared to the rest of the Calibra models. That was the reason why only the 8v had 0.26 Cd and the rest of the lineup had 0.28 Cd. You could also get a C20XE 4x4.

[@chrisgee7631]

Back then the Calibra and still the Calibra

[@paull4659]

The Probe all day long, the looks handling and comfort are great. I have a 97 GTS and GT. Great cars, glad I kept them. the 2.5L 24 valve engine gets great mileage, has enough HP for most people's needs. If I need more power, I can get a turbo for it. Modern aro bolt ons are still available. And with a vinyl wrap, my probe looks awesome. People are forever commenting on how cool the Probe looks. The Vauxhall looks like a kindergarten school marms car.

[@davekennedy6315]

Yet literally EVERYONE wanted the Calibra and you couldn't give away the Probe (even that name was the biggest joke in motoring!)

[@9person626]

saving up for a project ford probe as my first personal car, wish me luck

[@martinmurphy8885]

Good luck and enjoy the experience 😉

[@carlmarkwyatt]

These two invoke much nostalgia for me as they remind me of when I was a teenage paperboy purving at these cars whilst doing my round. I remember one house had two Calibras, a 4x4 turbo and a V6... That same house would probably have two bland FWD SUVs today.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Sadly so! Which of the two would you pick?

[@carlmarkwyatt]

@@ClassicsWorldUK it'd have to be a Calibra 4x4 Turbo in black.

[@RobiticDuck]

Rebuildng a Probe GT currently

[@T66ORA]

Probe was officially launched in March 94 in the UK. Announced in late 92,for the 93 mdl year in the US. It was delayed while we sorted out the handling and ride settings for UK/European roads. I worked for Ford at the time and had a new Probe every 3 months.

[@woodrow_mayes]

The Calibra was better value, better looking and a better place to be, end of.

[@baddrivinguk4679]

I had a 2.5 V6 Calibra in Ref with a Autobox, black leather interior and it was 3 years old. My memories it stuck to the road like glue, even on a windyest of days it cut the air like a knife. Really refined and comfortable, felt like a work of art and class of its own. Only downside it used to pan out at 23mpg which is a lot and always filling up. But the smiles per mile was amazing 😂😂😂 fond memories, just a great car

[@ianfrost3529]

I had a green calibra 2.0 16v with the eco-tec instead of the red top. Which is the engine that this calibra has which I found was better at low to mid range and more economical. I owned a cavalier Sri 150 with a red top And the drag figure was only for the 8v model. I drove a few probes but never owned one But I was always put off by the inside of the probes So I think it would be the calibra but with the v6 for me

[@wessmith3161]

Calibra way ahead on this comparison, chalk and cheese. Not forgetting the Calibra also had a stonking V6 variation.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

To be fair, both had lovely V6s, but I can agree on the Calibra! -Joe

[@jammy_rex3038]

The V6 Calibra certainly was not "stonking". Rather a wallowy, understeery pudding of a car. More a GT type cruiser which it was OK at. Dynamically they were never lauded when new, but then the Cavalier platform was already old and far from state of the art. I would argue that dynamically the MX-6 platform of the Probe was more sophisticated and the Mazda V6 was a much nicer, sweeter engine than the Vauxhall unit. Calibra was a handsome thing in it's original iteration though, far better than the Probe.

[@chrismc1977]

@@jammy_rex3038agreed. Tall gearing & generally a bit lazy. Not dynamically sharp at all given the good (for the time) looks.

[@265justy]

The V6 in the Probe is a Mazda KL...

[@DamianTaylor-b3m]

A friend of mine owned one of the British Probe press cars (L18FMC) AND A Miriad of v6's while I owned various Calibras and always prevered the Calibra, It was an assembly worker on the ford line who came up with the idea of shortining the rear squab of the rear seat base to give the rear passengers more leg room in the Probe

[@poolereviews9828]

I have a vauxhall calibra 8v and it's an absolute amazing car. Yes it's the lower power one but because of aerodynamics it will still do 140. Trouble is today the probe just looks like an old car and hasn't aged very well but the calibra looks like it was designed yesterday just overall a way better car to look and and to drive

[@h.g7336]

140kmh maybe,cos theres no way an 8v or even a red top is doing 140mph.

[@Αναστάσιος-σ8υ]

I was never a fan of Opels however the Calibra really looked well. However, for really fast driving, I suspect that the essentially Japanese designed Probe was better.

[@Djeseret]

Well… if you go for the Calibra Turbo with all-wheel drive, the Mazda - Probe doesn't stand a chance... The Calibra Turbo does 0-60 mph in 6,8 sek. and 155 mph, 250 km/h and the all-wheel drive gives much better cornering grip.

[@1977gm]

exactly and well said,,@@Djeseret

[@Αναστάσιος-σ8υ]

@@Djeseret not many Calibra turbos were produced, they are hard to find and not cheap at all. I was referring to front vs front wheel drive

[@leonb2637]

The Ford Probe was part of the then joint venture and ownership of Ford of part of Mazda. Ford built a new plant in the late 80's in Flat Rock, Michigan (just off I-75 south of Detroit, a former forgings plant site) to build the Mazda 626 Sedan, the MX-6 Coupe and the Ford Probe. The Ford Probe while originally intended to replace the Mustang caused such a stir that the Mustang was revised and kept. I had a 2nd Gen Probe a 24 valve (4 Cyl) with the 4 speed Automatic from new in Sept. 1992 to Jan. 2000. In many ways it was a good car to me with decent fuel mileage, handled well, looked good (until the clear coat paint went bad), reliable with its part Japan DNA. The price of mine was about $20,000 USD (about $30K today). When the Probe was discontinued in 1998, part of the production at that same plant was replaced with the Mercury/Ford Cougar Coupe (I also had one with the 2.5 L Ford V-6, automatic, in silver) that had a base from the Ford Contour/Mercury Mystique/Ford Europe Mondao 2nd Gen) and the Mazda 6 Sedan and (in small numbers wagons/estates). I also had Mazda 6 (2006-3.0 V-6, 6 Sp. Automatic). In the mid-2000-teens, the plant shifted to making the Mustang, some hybrid Fusions (Mondao to you) and eventually some Ford/Lincoln crossover models today.

[@gharris2389]

when I moved from the UK to the US in the early 90s I bought a nearly new Probe GT. The Mazda V6 was a great engine, big tires so loads of grip. Hatch was very practical.

[@MrAvant123]

Myself and many work colleagues had Calibra's as company cars back in the 90's. I remember none of us would have considered a Probe at the time. I seem to remember also that leather (not pleather) seats were standard on 2.0t models too. Trouble is didnt the Steve Coogan character Gareth Cheeseman have one !

[@llewsep]

Had a Probe 2.0. Was an absolute blast to drive, but agree that it's more a GT car, more than one to blat about. Supremely comfortable, and -- POP UP HEADLIGHTS!!!! -- I'd happily have one of these again.

[@paulelverstone8677]

As an everyday car I'd take the Calibra. As much as I adore pop-up lamps, the Vauxhall just has a timeless design (and viewed from above has a teardrop shape adding to that cd figure). Curiously though, I reserve the right to change my mind when we look at the top-of-the-line variants. ISTR the Probe had the 24v V6 and the Calibra the blown 4x4. Now that would be a test..

[@chrishart8548]

The 24v V6 with the auto box was no faster than the 2litre with the manual. And if I remember correctly the V6 only came as an auto.

[@varsas10]

I believe there was a 2.5 24v version of the Calibra.

[@chrishart8548]

@varsas10 definitely it was the calibra V6 it wasn't as powerful or as fast as the 2 litre turbo neither was it available with 4wd

[@iannowell6802]

It's a 24v v6

[@shibe32]

my dad had a 1993 light gray probe, i was a kid at the time, still a great looking car even today.

[@ImCaptainCabbage]

I drove both working at a car body shop during the 90s, we used to umm borrow the cars now and again. I myself owned a ford escort RS Turbo, I remember being underwhelmed by the Probe, but liking the Calibra.

[@BatCaveOz]

Spare parts for the Calibra, even 20 years ago were insanely expensive. For me, Ford Probe, please.

[@stewartshackleton7825]

An idea as you are in the nearby Killingworth area regularly. I have Puma 1.7 and my near neighbour has a Tigra. Perhaps a comparison next summer? Puma is on SORN until April?

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

That would be ace! Thanks Stewart!

[@stewartshackleton7825]

What is your email so we can exchange details? Thanks.

[@dwarfyh32]

I almost bought a V6 Calibra back in the mid 90s. Loved the styling. I did own an Astra Coupe Turbo which I took its styling from the Calibra and it was a great car

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

The Vauxhall Calibra is the better car in every area

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Good man! -Joe

[@keithbird8910]

I had a Probe 24v for about 6 years. Great car - I should have kept it.

[@ChrisPatrick-q6k]

Manual?

[@keithbird8910]

@@ChrisPatrick-q6k Yes

[@olivergould3878]

Calibra it just looks fantastic and they absolutely fly

[@JohnSmith-ef8nr]

I had the Calibra 4x4 turbo, I regret selling it now. Sadly most got broken up and had there engines put in vauxhall Novas.

[@paulillingworth1242]

Both are very cool, at that time I had mk3 cavalier so would have most likely gone for the Calibra, however couldn’t take away how nice the Probe looked, if the Probe were uprated more like the quality of my 3rd gen Mondeo it’d be a good question of choice 🤔

[@chrismitchell9114]

To me the probe looked a bit ahead of its time. But everyone compared it to the capri. Same with the Cougar. The calibra was more square and looked of it’s time. Plus it also had the loved red top C20XE engine and later a turbo 4x4 and a V6.

[@ЄвгенійС-ъ4у]

Probe is the most beautiful car ever! Thanks for video

[@johnscarsandstuff]

Of the two here, the Vauxhall Calibra is the more interesting. I'd love to drive one at speed. The turbo was only available with four wheel drives. There was a 16v 4×4, but that was discontinued when the turbo arrived. But I think the Calibra would have to be very accomplished to displace the Honda Prelude with 4-wheel steering in my affections.

[@DolleHengst]

Fritz Indra, one of the Calibra engineers, said that the 4x4 Turbo claimed top speed of 245 km/h was an absolute understatement, and that most cracked 250km/h or 155 mph pretty easily. Stock of course.

[@phillipeyb6164]

I’d imagine the 16v 2.0 with the extra weight of awd would have been absolutely gutless for bottom end torque

[@leeoliver4063]

Ive had a red top 16v calibra in white , a matalic green and cream leather calibra ecotec 16v , and ive had 2 v6 calibras , drove great but red top 16v was the best engine in my eyes

[@nrvous309]

Ford Probe all day, without question! I actually owned 2. I had an 89 turbo and a 95 GTS. I loved them both and wish I could find another

[@elemar5]

Probe turbo? Is there such a thing?

[@LepiSladja]

First gen, 2.2 turbo 150hp ​@@elemar5

[@endlesstwisties]

There is just one coupe passing all tests including test of time. Honda Prelude

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Must get our hands on a Prelude!

[@jdmguy44]

Agreed especially the 2.2 VTEC. Eclipses both the cars here. I would also say that of the Nissan 200SX and Celica GT4.

[@endlesstwisties]

@@jdmguy44 Prelude has the same double wishbone front and rear like s2000 and Nsx. Back in the 90s that was F1 technology. Cornering speed is insane for a street car. H22 is a very strong engine. Torque in low rpms and significant VTEC pull. More than any other vtec engine. + Style of the car and reliability . Can't be compared with nothing in the class. Like that wasn't enough was also the first mass produced car with reliable 4 wheel steering.

[@jdmguy44]

@@endlesstwisties Yes exactly. Totally agree.

[@Dark_Flame_Master]

Some years ago, I saw a photo of a Calibra in a newspaper and it was love at first sight. Before that moment I didn’t even know it existed because I had never seen one. I cut the photo out and kept it in a box. Unfortunately to this day I still haven’t seen one in real life. Not a single one. Wikipedia says there‘s only around 5000 Calibras still on german roads, so my hopes of finally seeing one aren‘t very big, but I will keep my eyes open every time I leave the house. 👀 Sometimes I even think about whether I should buy one once I have a driver’s license, but every time I come to the conclusion that it wouldn‘t be a good idea. The rust, the spare part situation, the tuner cars, not having a usable garage, the car probably not having enough space to put a bicycle in it - I don’t think it would be a good idea… but the imagination of cruising around in it and listening to the engine sound is still great. 😌

[@abu269]

I always wanted to own a Probe, but couldn't get one because I needed more doors + seats. It was the same story with the Cougar too.

[@ofmanynicknames]

I've heard that GM was considering bringing the Calibra to the US as a Saab. Not entirely sure if that would've been a good idea given the tepid reception to that GM-ified new 900.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Ooh interesting!

[@johnscarsandstuff]

It would have made sense as a SAAB, given the Calibra's sleek shape.

[@andrewfarrow4699]

I lusted for both back in the day. The Probe wins the beauty contest for me. Cavalier mk3 SRi and 4x4 turbo company cars I drove were brilliant. The Ford Sierras, a horror show. Verdict: I would take the Calibra 4x4 turbo.

[@_B.M_]

Red top engine is enough to give it to the Calibra. One of the best engines ever! At the time, nobody could get anywhere near 150bhp from a 2.0 engine. Many couldn't even get that with a Turbo added.

[@robbiemulholland6477]

I agree. The one in this video doesn’t have the red top frustratingly 😩

[@_B.M_]

@@robbiemulholland6477 later versions didn't. They went all ecotec and lost several horses in the process.

[@robbiemulholland6477]

Yes, this is a later Ecotec version. My Dad had a 4x4 16v with the red top in the 90’s and I used to love the sound of the engine! 😎

[@TheVintageApplianceEmporium]

The Calibra is undoubtedly the better car BUT, a late Probe with a 2.5 V6, full leather and that amazing metallic purple paint colour they did - I'd have that all day!

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Class!

[@MonaroTravels]

They did a 2.5 V6 Calibra as well with full black or cream leather interior. I had one and my god I wish I still had it.

[@JP-gw9ts]

That 2nd gen Probe was a beauty and still is.

[@Kaibo1997]

I've got a Probe 24V so bit biased on this one ! I think the probe is more unusual looking which is the main reason i prefer it and it has pop up headlights !

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Gotta love popups!

[@pawsnpistons]

I loved the styling with my 24V back then, too. But the Probe had FWD and with 163 hp it was underpowered so i sold it after 2 years. I still love pop ups, thats why i bought a corvette.

[@londonpirates]

Many years ago I had money to buy a decent Calibra and didn’t even consider the Probe as it just didn’t have the styling of the Calibra. I did however closely consider the Corrado but the Calibra offered a bit more for the same money. Calibra still looks great today wish I still had it.

[@willswheels283]

I like both cars, I never knew the Probe was based on the Mazda MX6 platform, I like the Probes exterior and those pop up lights. An old mate of mine in the 2000’s owned a lovely metallic blue Calibra with white leather interior and it had an 8 valve 2 litre engine coupled with an autobox, I borrowed it for a few days and loved it, it was nice to drive, comfortable and the interior is nicer than the one in the probe, because of this it’s the Calibra for me.

[@giulianomarco]

The Probe! Phil's right, Joe's wrong! 😋👍

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Woo! :D -Phil

[@clivebrackstone1896]

Shud have been both v6 version against each other. Both had around 168 bhp 24 valve engines and v similar performance

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Sadly these cars are getting rare, it's hard enough getting *any* examples of both together...

[@momokhan8058]

The calibra was way ahead of its time looked so nice on the road

[@davidevans4089]

I must admit the Calibra has aged better than the probe. Unfortunately I can't remember the last time I saw one out and about.

[@iannowell6802]

Maybe soon

[@maxeluy]

I like the Probe because pop-up headlights.

[@viacom2000]

Watching this video, I prefer the Probe with that early mazda look with the pop-ups - I mean, who doesn't love pop-ups?! But, back in 90s (when I was in my 20s) I remember lusting over the Calibre - and although I remember the Probe, I certainly don't remember wanting one. My all-time lust was a MK4 Cortina, 2 door, in Gold with Starsky & Hutch style wheels and a black vinyl roof. Sadly, I never got to own any of these cars lol

[@MrChrissk]

IV never been a vauxhall fan, but it's the calibra all day long, a school friends mum had a Red H reg from new, not sure the exact model but I loved going in it on the odd school run and to the skating rink at Altrincham. Maybe one day il buy one as a project car.

[@alexanderdingle8447]

i have a Probe 2.5 that is a good car that I used to tow our caravan and is now used for car club events summer time use only and it has now currently covered 86000 miles.It has been really inexpensive to maintain .It has just had reguar servicing and wearing parts repaced only.I love it .

[@davekennedy6315]

Thats not the Red Top, thats the later, less powerful Ecotec.

[@ianjeffery3762]

I had a 2lt 4 pot probe back in the day. So gutless and I experienced the annoying main relay solder issue in the immobilizer that would literally cut all power at any point..... So nice to have the car turn off while overtaking!!!

[@allysonsquires8421]

Driven both it is calibra all day for me, loved my 2.0

[@JOHNRGRAY]

Probe for me 👍🏾

[@andytnr]

I worked at a Ford dealership as a mechanic in the 90's and was sent to Daventry on the Ford Probe Introduction training course. I remember how ugly the alloys were on the 4 cyl version and how cool the V6 looked. Oh and by the way, The V6 Probe gets my vote as i don't like the Calibra bumper and headlamps

[@AndyK.1]

Also did V6 Calibra.

[@kadran3263]

The Probe made such a great selection of sounds with every bump and application of the brakes, and the fog lights will help on a dismal night, too.

[@alfagtvjan]

Calibra every time. I had two 2.00 16v cars back in the 90's. Great cars.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Very cool!

[@AledPritchard]

Definitely the Probe.. every time. In 2.5 V6… pop up headlights, what’s not to like. I just love them and have always promised myself one since I was a kid. One day.

[@martinmurphy8885]

Just like me, I got my V6 2 years ago. You better hurry though as they are getting very scarce now!!

[@AledPritchard]

@@martinmurphy8885 I know, it’s so sad to know that so few survive. I still see 1 or 2 driving around my city, some people still have very good taste. Envious of you biting the bullet and getting one. Happy driving!

[@robertjackson5836]

Loved my 96 2.0 calibre

[@Dwizzlejay]

I currently daily 1997 base probe love its simplicity

[@shanefarrell2780]

I'd have the probe any day of the week. I used to pdi these back in the day. The v6 sounds fantastic even in standard form and went really well, the 4 cylinder version was under powered. A great GT car definitely not a sports car.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Couldn't agree more!

[@WeBreakGTi]

It’s not a red top it’s the newer ecotec 2.0 less power but more refined.

[@h.g7336]

Had 3 Calibras.Loved them,only reason i moved on was because they stopped making them and they got a bit long in the tooth.

[@MrAaronb400]

Since I know the manta gte exists and is rwd id take one over a calibra although decent gte coupes are pushing 20k these days. A calibra 4x4 turbo can be had for around 10k

[@iannowell6802]

I've got a v6 calibration sat doing nothing in my back garden doing nothing. 2.6 unrestricted engine konie suspension, should I resurrect it still runs

[@iannowell6802]

115 in 3rd gear nether worked out what to do with the other 2

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Absolutely!

[@monk3yboy69]

Do you even need to ask on this channel? 😀

[@johnmitchell2269]

The Probe should have been RWD. Even more so that they were first sold in the U.S. They were marketed as a 'sporty' GT but failed to deliver on both fronts, as it wasnt sporty nor a grand tourer. Mazda and Mitsubishi at the time were having quite a bit of success with their sporty coupés and GT's, so Ford wanted to jump on that bandwagon. But drive a mid 90's Mitsubishi 3000GT/GTO and you will instantly feel the improvement in build quality, ride, handling, performance and reliability. When it comes to FWD coupés from the 90's, the two that I liked was the Pininfarina designed 406 coupé. Back when Peugeot made desirable cars. The others were the mk4 and mk5 Honda Preludes.

[@dingowarrior815]

The Probe rocks Slowly restoring my one currently. While the engine is a pearl, the rust is it's biggest problem, unfortunately.

[@skip741x3]

Wild how the european probe 4 banger looks Almost excatly like the american 6 cyl gt...At first I though u were reviewing the gt... 93-94 gts were very stiffly sprung, had Aggressive exhausts , less emissions..they handled Taught... the variant you were driving, although it Looks like a usa gt, was likely fitted with the soft 4 banger's springs and struts....would have been cool to see you do a review of these both with their 6 cyl versions...the gt probe is a totally different beast.

[@billybellend1155]

The probe felt like a Japanese car designed for the American market sold in Europe. It actually works better now than it did back then.

[@monk3yboy69]

Looking at it now, I think not bad. Having one back in the day ( forced on me by the company ) , not great. 😀😀

[@davidhayes4814]

Slightly weird comparison really. I am old enough to remember the original debate. The Probe was not well received. It was regarded as opportunistic and a somewhat wasted opportunity. The Calibra was seen much more positively but lovely as it was, it was regarded as dynamically compromised. It was the VW Corrado which received the attention… but it was expensive and did not come of age until the VR6 appeared later. The Honda Prelude was admired too… but then came the thieves who nicked them all. Then, as now, a £20 yellow (or red) steering wheel lock could have saved the day.

[@davekennedy6315]

Those steering wheel locks were a joke, a car thief would have that busted in mere seconds! Absolutely ZERO deterrent value, that's why insurance companies never even mentioned them!

[@rob5944]

I had a probe (snigger), but by then it was old and I'd been looking for a runner, and like something a bit different. It was a nice enough drive, after all 300,000 and odd sales is more than 200,000 odd, however they're achieved. Bit expensive new by the sounds of it though.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Can't deny the Probe's strong sales!

[@southendparaquest]

I've owned an Opel Manta, 8V Astra GTE's, a Cavalier CDi. Then a Cavalier SRi with a red top (what an engine!). Always wanted a Calibra, such a great looking car. And with the Red top or Turbo (or the V6) had decent performance too. Could I swap my OG Saab 93 SE for one though?! 🤔