1997 Ford Contour vs. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 220. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Because 1951 Mercedes-Benz 220 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 1951 Mercedes-Benz 220. 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, 1997 Ford Contour (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 220. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1951 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Contour | 220 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1951 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 6.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 48 L |
