1996 Ford Contour vs. 2008 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Contour would be higher. At 4,015 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1996 Ford Contour. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 594 kg more than 1996 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mercury Mountaineer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer 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, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Contour | 2008 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Contour | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4015 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1836 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2890 mm |
