1997 Ford Contour vs. 2012 BMW 116
To start off, 2012 BMW 116 is newer by 15 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 116 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2012 BMW 116. (116 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 116. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 116 weights approximately 128 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 2012 BMW 116 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 2012 BMW 116. 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, 2012 BMW 116 (260 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 116 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Contour | 2012 BMW 116 | |
Make | Ford | BMW |
Model | Contour | 116 |
Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 125 HP | 116 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 260 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1370 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4239 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1748 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1421 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2660 mm |