1984 BMW 323 vs. 1993 Ford Contour
To start off, 1993 Ford Contour is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,314 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 BMW 323 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1993 Ford Contour. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1993 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Ford Contour weights approximately 152 kg more than 1984 BMW 323.
Because 1984 BMW 323 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 1984 BMW 323. 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, 1984 BMW 323 (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1984 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW 323 | 1993 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 323 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2314 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
