1993 Ford Contour vs. 2012 BMW 328
To start off, 2012 BMW 328 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Ford Contour would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 328 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 328 (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1993 Ford Contour. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 328 should accelerate faster than 1993 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 328 weights approximately 493 kg more than 1993 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 328 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 2012 BMW 328. 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, 2012 BMW 328 (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 328 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Ford Contour | 2012 BMW 328 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Contour | 328 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2810 mm |
