2005 BMW 545 vs. 1996 Ford Contour
To start off, 2005 BMW 545 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 4,390 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 545 (326 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 1996 Ford Contour. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 545 weights approximately 423 kg more than 1996 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 BMW 545. 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, 2005 BMW 545 (450 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 545 | 1996 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 545 | Contour |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4390 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1665 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2710 mm |
