1981 BMW 628 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 628. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 628 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 628 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 628 (181 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 628 should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 628 weights approximately 228 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 628 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 628. 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 628 (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 628 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 628 | 1999 Ford Contour | |
Make | BMW | Ford |
Model | 628 | Contour |
Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
Body Type | Coupe | 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 | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 240 Nm | 175 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1242 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2710 mm |