1996 BMW 545 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 545. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 545 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 545 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 545 weights approximately 408 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 545 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 545. 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 545 (440 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 545 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
Make | BMW | Ford |
Model | 545 | Contour |
Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1989 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 125 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 180 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92.1 mm | 84.8 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 88 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1242 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2710 mm |