Is the word contava the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

Yes

The word "contava" is identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese in terms of spelling, grammar, and meaning. It is the first-person singular (eu) or third-person singular (ele/ela/você) of the verb contar in the pretérito imperfeito do indicativo (imperfect indicative). It can mean "was counting," "used to count," "was telling," "used to tell," or "was counting on/relying on."

The only difference between the two varieties is pronunciation. In Continental Portuguese, vowels that are not stressed tend to be more "closed" or even reduced to the point of being nearly silent, whereas Brazilian Portuguese tends to maintain more open and clearly articulated vowels.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Ele contava histórias para as crianças antes de dormir. (He used to tell stories to the children before sleeping.)
2. Eu contava as moedas toda vez que recebia troco. (I used to count the coins every time I received change.)
3. Eu contava com a sua ajuda para terminar o trabalho. (I was counting on your help to finish the work.)
4. Ela contava segredos para a melhor amiga dela. (She used to tell secrets to her best friend.)
5. A gente contava os minutos para o início do show. (We were counting the minutes until the start of the show.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Ele contava histórias às crianças antes de dormir. (He used to tell stories to the children before sleeping.)
2. Eu contava as moedas sempre que recebia trocos. (I used to count the coins whenever I received change.)
3. Eu contava contigo para terminar o trabalho. (I was counting on you to finish the work.)
4. Ela contava segredos à melhor amiga. (She used to tell secrets to her best friend.)
5. Nós contávamos os minutos para o início do espetáculo. (We were counting the minutes until the start of the show.)