2009 BMW 120 vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 12 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 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (176 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 70 kg more than 2009 BMW 120. 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, 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, 2009 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW 120 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
Make | BMW | Ford |
Model | 120 | Contour |
Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2544 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 176 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 350 Nm | 231 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5625 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1390 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2710 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 55 L |