1975 BMW 316 vs. 1993 Ford Contour
To start off, 1993 Ford Contour is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Ford Contour (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1975 BMW 316. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1975 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Ford Contour weights approximately 172 kg more than 1975 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 BMW 316 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 1975 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 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, 1993 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 316. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1993 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 316 | 1993 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 316 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
