1998 Ford Contour vs. 1996 BMW 730
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 730 would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 730 (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 730 weights approximately 504 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 730 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 1996 BMW 730. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1996 BMW 730 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 1996 BMW 730 has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 730 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Ford Contour | 1996 BMW 730 | |
Make | Ford | BMW |
Model | Contour | 730 |
Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2793 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 128 HP | 190 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84.9 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1746 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5130 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2950 mm |