2006 BMW 645 vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 2006 BMW 645 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 BMW 645 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 645 (328 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 645 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 645 weights approximately 568 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 2006 BMW 645 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 645. 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 645 (450 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 645 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2006 BMW 645 has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 645 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 645 | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 645 | Contour |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | 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 | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2710 mm |
