2006 BMW 320 vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 2006 BMW 320 is newer by 8 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 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2006 BMW 320. (154 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 320 weights approximately 219 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour.
Because 2006 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 2006 BMW 320. 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, 2006 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 320 | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 320 | Contour |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6625 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 54 L |
