1972 BMW 520 vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 203 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 1972 BMW 520 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 1972 BMW 520. 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, 1972 BMW 520 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
1972 BMW 520 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
Make | BMW | Ford |
Model | 520 | Contour |
Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1989 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 150 HP | 125 HP |
Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 190 Nm | 180 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84.8 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 88 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1242 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |