2010 BMW X3 vs. 1999 Ford Contour
To start off, 2010 BMW X3 is newer by 11 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW X3 (260 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW X3 weights approximately 578 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 2010 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 BMW X3 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, 2010 BMW X3 (305 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour. 1999 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 2010 BMW X3 has manual transmission. 2010 BMW X3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 BMW X3 | 1999 Ford Contour | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | X3 | Contour |
| Year Released | 2010 | 1999 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3000 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4569 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1854 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1676 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2797 mm | 2710 mm |
