1995 Ford Contour vs. 2007 BMW 523
To start off, 2007 BMW 523 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Ford Contour would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1995 Ford Contour. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1995 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 523 weights approximately 323 kg more than 1995 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 BMW 523 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 2007 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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, 2007 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Ford Contour | 2007 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Contour | 523 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2890 mm |
