1998 BMW 318 vs. 1993 Ford Contour
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Ford Contour would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Ford Contour (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 132 kg more than 1993 Ford Contour.
Because 1998 BMW 318 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 1998 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 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, 1993 Ford Contour (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (169 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1993 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1993 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 318 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1313 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
