1977 BMW 520 vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1977 BMW 520. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1977 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 520 weights approximately 154 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour.
Because 1977 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 1977 BMW 520. 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, 1977 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1977 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 520 | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 520 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6625 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
