1985 BMW 324 vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 BMW 324. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 BMW 324 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 BMW 324 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1985 BMW 324. (85 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1985 BMW 324. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 BMW 324 weights approximately 18 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour.
Because 1985 BMW 324 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 1985 BMW 324. 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, 1998 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 BMW 324. (152 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 BMW 324. 1998 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 1985 BMW 324 has manual transmission. 1985 BMW 324 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1985 BMW 324 | 1998 Ford Contour | |
Make | BMW | Ford |
Model | 324 | Contour |
Year Released | 1985 | 1998 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1989 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 85 HP | 128 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 152 Nm | 180 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1242 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |