1988 BMW 525 vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,441 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 363 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 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, 1988 BMW 525 (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 1988 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 525 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2441 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
