1997 Ford Contour vs. 2011 BMW 528
To start off, 2011 BMW 528 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 528 (240 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 528 weights approximately 488 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 528 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 528. 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 528 (311 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2011 BMW 528 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. 2011 BMW 528 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2011 BMW 528 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Contour | 528 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1987 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 311 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2969 mm |
