1997 Ford Contour vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 535 weights approximately 893 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 2012 BMW 535 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 will offer significantly more control. 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 535 (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2012 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. 2012 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Contour | 2012 BMW 535 | |
Make | Ford | BMW |
Model | Contour | 535 |
Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1987 cc | 2979 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 300 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 406 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | AWD |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 2135 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4999 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1900 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1560 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3071 mm |