1990 BMW 518 vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 518 would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 230 kg more than 1990 BMW 518. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 BMW 518 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 1990 BMW 518. 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, 1997 Ford Contour (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
1990 BMW 518 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
Make | BMW | Ford |
Model | 518 | Contour |
Year Released | 1990 | 1997 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1766 cc | 2544 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 113 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 161 Nm | 231 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5625 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1390 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 |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 55 L |