1960 BMW 700 vs. 1996 Ford Contour
To start off, 1996 Ford Contour is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 BMW 700 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Contour (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1960 BMW 700. (38 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1960 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Contour weights approximately 582 kg more than 1960 BMW 700. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 BMW 700 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 1960 BMW 700. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 BMW 700. (52 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 BMW 700 | 1996 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 700 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 697 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 52 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2710 mm |
