1997 Ford Contour vs. 2008 BMW 316
To start off, 2008 BMW 316 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Contour would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2008 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 316 weights approximately 133 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 2008 BMW 316 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 2008 BMW 316. 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, 1997 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 316. (176 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 316. 2008 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Contour | 2008 BMW 316 | |
Make | Ford | BMW |
Model | Contour | 316 |
Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 125 HP | 113 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 176 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 81 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1375 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4270 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2730 mm |