1998 Ford Contour vs. 2007 BMW 330
To start off, 2007 BMW 330 is newer by 9 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 330 weights approximately 364 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 2007 BMW 330 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 BMW 330 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, 2007 BMW 330 (500 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 276 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2007 BMW 330 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. 2007 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2007 BMW 330 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Contour | 330 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 233 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1775 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 61 L |
