1998 Ford Contour vs. 1998 BMW 730
To start off, both 1998 Ford Contour and 1998 BMW 730 were released in the same year (1998). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1998 BMW 730. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 730 weights approximately 334 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour.
Because 1998 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 1998 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, 1998 BMW 730 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 1998 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. 1998 BMW 730 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 1998 BMW 730 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Contour | 730 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 90 L |
