1996 Ford Contour vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz B
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz B is newer by 13 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 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz B is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Contour (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz B. (108 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz B. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz B weights approximately 198 kg more than 1996 Ford Contour.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz B (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz B will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Contour | 2009 Mercedes-Benz B | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Contour | B |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2780 mm |
