1999 Ford Contour vs. 2006 BMW 325
To start off, 2006 BMW 325 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Ford Contour would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 325 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 325 weights approximately 303 kg more than 1999 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW 325 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 2006 BMW 325. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 2006 BMW 325 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour. 2006 BMW 325 has automatic transmission and 1999 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1999 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 325 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Contour | 2006 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Contour | 325 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| 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 | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2730 mm |
