1962 BMW 3200 CS vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 BMW 3200 CS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 BMW 3200 CS would be higher. At 3,169 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 BMW 3200 CS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1962 BMW 3200 CS. (160 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1962 BMW 3200 CS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 BMW 3200 CS weights approximately 110 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 1962 BMW 3200 CS 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 1962 BMW 3200 CS. 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, 1962 BMW 3200 CS (240 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1962 BMW 3200 CS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 BMW 3200 CS | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 3200 CS | Contour |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
