1991 BMW 525 vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1991 BMW 525. (143 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1991 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 BMW 525 weights approximately 149 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour.
Because 1991 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 1991 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, 1991 BMW 525 (260 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1991 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 BMW 525 | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 525 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6625 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 199 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 54 L |
