1975 BMW 520 vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1975 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1975 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 19 kg more than 1975 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 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, 1997 Ford Contour (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 520. (172 Nm @ 4350 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 520. 1997 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 1975 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1975 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1975 BMW 520 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
Make | BMW | Ford |
Model | 520 | Contour |
Year Released | 1975 | 1997 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2544 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6250 RPM |
Torque | 172 Nm | 220 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4350 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1314 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2710 mm |