2001 BMW 320 vs. 1999 Ford Contour
To start off, 2001 BMW 320 is newer by 2 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 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (170 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 320 weights approximately 264 kg more than 1999 Ford Contour.
Because 2001 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 2001 BMW 320. 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, 1999 Ford Contour (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 1999 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 320 | Contour |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1392 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 56 L |
