1997 Ford Contour vs. 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 5,401 cc (8 cylinders), 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 (180 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 1164 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 (440 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Contour | 500 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1944 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 5401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 111 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 2406 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3300 mm |
