2001 BMW 318 vs. 1996 Ford Contour
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Contour would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Contour (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 318 weights approximately 198 kg more than 1996 Ford Contour.
Because 2001 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 2001 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 1996 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 318 | Contour |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | 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 | 116 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
