1986 BMW M6 vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW M6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW M6 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW M6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M6 (282 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M6 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW M6 weights approximately 191 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 1986 BMW M6 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 1986 BMW M6. 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, 1986 BMW M6 (335 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1997 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 1986 BMW M6 has manual transmission. 1986 BMW M6 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M6 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M6 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
