1997 Ford Contour vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 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, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 476 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 520 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 520. 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 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 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 520 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Contour | 520 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2968 mm |
