2005 BMW 318 vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Contour would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 318 (142 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 318 weights approximately 233 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 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, 2005 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
2005 BMW 318 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
Make | BMW | Ford |
Model | 318 | Contour |
Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1989 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 142 HP | 125 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 200 Nm | 180 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84.8 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1242 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |