2008 BMW 318 vs. 1993 Ford Contour
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Ford Contour would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Ford Contour (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 267 kg more than 1993 Ford Contour.
Because 2008 BMW 318 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 2008 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 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, 1993 Ford Contour (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1993 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 1993 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 318 | Contour |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1313 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
