1999 BMW 330 vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 1999 BMW 330 is newer by 1 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 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1999 BMW 330. (183 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 330 weights approximately 209 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour.
Because 1999 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, 1999 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, 1999 BMW 330 (390 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 330 | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 330 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 183 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6625 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 93 L | 54 L |
