2003 BMW 545 vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 2003 BMW 545 is newer by 5 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 545 (328 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 545 weights approximately 463 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW 545 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 2003 BMW 545. 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, 2003 BMW 545 (450 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 545 | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 545 | Contour |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2710 mm |
