1956 BMW 501 vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 BMW 501 would be higher. At 3,166 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 163 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 BMW 501 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 1956 BMW 501. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1956 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
1956 BMW 501 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
Make | BMW | Ford |
Model | 501 | Contour |
Year Released | 1956 | 1997 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3166 cc | 1989 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 125 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 180 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84.8 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 88 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1242 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2710 mm |