1974 BMW 3 vs. 2000 Ford Contour
To start off, 2000 Ford Contour is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Ford Contour (201 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1974 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 15 kg more than 2000 Ford Contour.
Because 1974 BMW 3 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 1974 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 1974 BMW 3 (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Ford Contour. (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 2000 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1418 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2760 mm |
