2009 BMW 550 vs. 1999 Ford Contour
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 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 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1999 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, 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 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour. 2009 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1999 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1999 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 | 1999 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 550 | Contour |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 2544 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| 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 | 1662 kg | 1392 kg |
| 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 |
