1997 Ford Contour vs. 2011 BMW 125
To start off, 2011 BMW 125 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 125 weights approximately 283 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 2011 BMW 125 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 125. 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 125 (271 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 125 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 125 | |
Make | Ford | BMW |
Model | Contour | 125 |
Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1987 cc | 2996 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 | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 271 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1525 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4370 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1420 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1760 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2670 mm |