1997 Ford Contour vs. 2011 BMW 535
To start off, 2011 BMW 535 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 535 (311 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 535 weights approximately 400 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 535 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 535. 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 535 (600 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 369 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2011 BMW 535 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 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2011 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Contour | 535 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
