2000 Ford Contour vs. 2009 BMW 320
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Ford Contour would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 320 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2000 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2000 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 320 weights approximately 242 kg more than 2000 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 320 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 2009 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2009 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Ford Contour. 2009 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2000 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 2000 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Ford Contour | 2009 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Contour | 320 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1248 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2730 mm |
