1981 BMW 528 vs. 1999 Ford Contour
To start off, 1999 Ford Contour is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 528 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 528 weights approximately 58 kg more than 1999 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 528 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 528. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1981 BMW 528 (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 528 | 1999 Ford Contour | |
Make | BMW | Ford |
Model | 528 | Contour |
Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2788 cc | 1989 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 181 HP | 128 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 240 Nm | 175 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1242 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |