2009 BMW 120 vs. 1993 Ford Contour
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 16 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, 2009 BMW 120 (169 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1993 Ford Contour. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1993 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 72 kg more than 1993 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 120 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 2009 BMW 120. 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 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1993 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1993 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 120 | Contour |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1313 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2710 mm |
