1996 Ford Contour vs. 2006 BMW 530
To start off, 2006 BMW 530 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Contour would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 530 (216 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1996 Ford Contour. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 530 weights approximately 518 kg more than 1996 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW 530 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 2006 BMW 530. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 2006 BMW 530 (500 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 320 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Ford Contour | 2006 BMW 530 | |
Make | Ford | BMW |
Model | Contour | 530 |
Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2993 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 129 HP | 216 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 500 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1760 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4850 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2890 mm |