2009 BMW 328 vs. 1996 Ford Contour
To start off, 2009 BMW 328 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Contour would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 328 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 328 (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1996 Ford Contour. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 328 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 328 weights approximately 283 kg more than 1996 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 328 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 BMW 328 will offer significantly more control. 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 328 (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 328 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 328 | 1996 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 328 | Contour |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
