1966 BMW 1600 vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 BMW 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 BMW 1600 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1966 BMW 1600. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1966 BMW 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 322 kg more than 1966 BMW 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 BMW 1600 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 1966 BMW 1600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 BMW 1600. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 BMW 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 BMW 1600 | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 1600 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1574 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2710 mm |
