2009 BMW 120 vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Contour would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (169 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 143 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 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 (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW 120 | 1998 Ford Contour | |
Make | BMW | Ford |
Model | 120 | Contour |
Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1989 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 169 HP | 128 HP |
Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 210 Nm | 180 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1242 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2710 mm |