2000 BMW 318 vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2000 BMW 318 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Contour would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2000 BMW 318. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2000 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 BMW 318 weights approximately 153 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 2000 BMW 318 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 2000 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, both vehicles can yield 180 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2000 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW 318 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 318 | Contour |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
