1987 BMW 320 vs. 1993 Ford Contour
To start off, 1993 Ford Contour is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW 320 (189 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1993 Ford Contour. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1993 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Ford Contour weights approximately 95 kg more than 1987 BMW 320.
Because 1987 BMW 320 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 1987 BMW 320. 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, 1993 Ford Contour (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1993 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 320 | 1993 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 320 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1218 kg | 1313 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 |
