1998 Ford Contour vs. 2001 BMW Z3
To start off, 2001 BMW Z3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Contour would be higher. At 2,990 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW Z3 (229 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 6 kg more than 2001 BMW Z3.
Because 2001 BMW Z3 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 2001 BMW Z3. 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, 2001 BMW Z3 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2001 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2001 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Contour | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 51 L |
