1998 Ford Contour vs. 2010 BMW 550
To start off, 2010 BMW 550 is newer by 12 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 265 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 550 weights approximately 998 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 2010 BMW 550 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 2010 BMW 550. 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, 2010 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 429 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2010 BMW 550 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. 2010 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Ford Contour | 2010 BMW 550 | |
Make | Ford | BMW |
Model | Contour | 550 |
Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 400 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 609 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 2240 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4999 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1900 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1560 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3066 mm |