1997 Ford Contour vs. 2010 BMW 325
To start off, 2010 BMW 325 is newer by 13 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 325 (215 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 325 weights approximately 303 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 2010 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 2010 BMW 325. 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, 2010 BMW 325 (271 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2010 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Contour | 325 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1987 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2770 mm |
