2001 BMW 318 vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 3 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 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 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 74 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 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, 1998 Ford Contour (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318. 2001 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 318 | Contour |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6625 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 54 L |
