2007 BMW 523 vs. 2000 Ford Contour
To start off, 2007 BMW 523 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Ford Contour would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Ford Contour (201 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2007 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 523 weights approximately 157 kg more than 2000 Ford Contour.
Because 2007 BMW 523 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 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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 230 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. 2007 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 2000 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 2000 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 523 | 2000 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 523 | Contour |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1418 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
