1996 BMW 840 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 840. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 840 would be higher. At 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 840 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 840 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 840 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 840 weights approximately 426 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 840 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 840. 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 840 (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 840 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 840 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 840 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2710 mm |
