1975 BMW 320 vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 BMW 320 would be higher. At 1,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1975 BMW 320. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1975 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 122 kg more than 1975 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 BMW 320 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 320. 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 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 320. (157 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 320 | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 320 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
