1981 BMW 745 vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 745. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 745 would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 745 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 745 (252 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 745 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 745 weights approximately 354 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 745 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 745. 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, 1981 BMW 745 (380 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 745 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1981 BMW 745 has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 BMW 745 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 745 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
Make | BMW | Ford |
Model | 745 | Contour |
Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1989 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 252 HP | 125 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 380 Nm | 180 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84.8 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1242 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |