1997 Ford Contour vs. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 240 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 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 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 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. 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, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 (359 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Contour | 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Contour | 450 |
Year Released | 1997 | 1972 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2544 cc | 4519 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 217 HP |
Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 231 Nm | 359 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 3250 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1630 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4760 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2820 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 90 L |