1996 Ford Contour vs. 2009 BMW 325
To start off, 2009 BMW 325 is newer by 13 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 325 (194 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1996 Ford Contour. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 325 weights approximately 354 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 2009 BMW 325 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 2009 BMW 325. 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, 2009 BMW 325 (400 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Ford Contour | 2009 BMW 325 | |
Make | Ford | BMW |
Model | Contour | 325 |
Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2494 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 129 HP | 194 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 400 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1300 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 | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1596 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4590 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2770 mm |