1983 BMW 525 vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,693 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1983 BMW 525. (123 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 BMW 525 weights approximately 8 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour.
Because 1983 BMW 525 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 1983 BMW 525. 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, 1983 BMW 525 (241 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 525 | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 525 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2693 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 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 |
