1998 Ford Contour vs. 2012 BMW X6
To start off, 2012 BMW X6 is newer by 14 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), 2012 BMW X6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X6 (244 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X6 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X6 weights approximately 739 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 2012 BMW X6 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X6 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, 2012 BMW X6 (600 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 376 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2012 BMW X6 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. 2012 BMW X6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2012 BMW X6 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Contour | X6 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| 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 | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 2150 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2933 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 85 L |
