1994 Ford Contour vs. 2004 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2004 Mercury Mariner is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Ford Contour would be higher. At 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Mariner (197 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1994 Ford Contour. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1994 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 328 kg more than 1994 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2004 Mercury Mariner (262 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Ford Contour | 2004 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Contour | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.9 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
