1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 vs. 2000 Ford Contour
To start off, 2000 Ford Contour is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 would be higher. At 2,525 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2000 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 should accelerate faster than 2000 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 weights approximately 112 kg more than 2000 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Ford Contour. 2000 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 has manual transmission. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 | 2000 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | 250 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2525 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1248 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2710 mm |
