2007 BMW 118 vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2007 BMW 118 is newer by 10 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), 2007 BMW 118 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2007 BMW 118. (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 118 weights approximately 8 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 2007 BMW 118 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 2007 BMW 118. 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, both vehicles can yield 180 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 118 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 118 | Contour |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| 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 | 1250 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2710 mm |
