1996 BMW 523 vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 523 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 30 more horse power than 1996 BMW 523. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 523 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 1996 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 1996 BMW 523. 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, 1996 BMW 523 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 523 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
Make | BMW | Ford |
Model | 523 | Contour |
Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2544 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 170 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 245 Nm | 231 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 5625 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1390 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2710 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |