2009 BMW 523 vs. 1999 Ford Contour
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Ford Contour would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2009 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 523.
Because 2009 BMW 523 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 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 523 | 1999 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 523 | Contour |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 56 L |
