1997 Ford Contour vs. 2013 BMW 7 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 7 Series is newer by 16 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 4,395 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 BMW 7 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 7 Series (439 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 239 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 7 Series should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 7 Series weights approximately 762 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 2013 BMW 7 Series 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, 2013 BMW 7 Series 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, 2013 BMW 7 Series (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 420 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 7 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2013 BMW 7 Series 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. 2013 BMW 7 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2013 BMW 7 Series | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Contour | 7 Series |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 4395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 439 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 2152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5074 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2134 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3070 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
