1997 Ford Contour vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 14 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 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2011 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 135 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 2011 BMW 120 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 2011 BMW 120. 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, 2011 BMW 120 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Contour | 2011 BMW 120 | |
Make | Ford | BMW |
Model | Contour | 120 |
Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 231 Nm | 340 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 16.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1525 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4230 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1440 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1760 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2670 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 51 L |