2005 BMW 318 vs. 1996 Ford Contour
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 9 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 16 more horse power than 2005 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 318 weights approximately 58 kg more than 1996 Ford Contour.
Because 2005 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 2005 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, 1996 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 318. (167 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 318 | 1996 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 318 | Contour |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2710 mm |
