2009 BMW 550 vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 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 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (657 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 522 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 418 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 550 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 550. 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 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 310 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2009 BMW 550 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 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 550 | Contour |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1987 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 657 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
