1981 BMW 520 vs. 1993 Ford Contour
To start off, 1993 Ford Contour is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Ford Contour (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Ford Contour weights approximately 93 kg more than 1981 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 BMW 520. 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 (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1993 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 1993 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 520 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1313 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
