1997 Ford Contour vs. 1982 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1982 Mercedes-Benz S. (154 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 170 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 1982 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1982 Mercedes-Benz S. 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 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Contour | 1982 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Contour | S |
Year Released | 1997 | 1982 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2746 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 154 HP |
Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 231 Nm | 223 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1560 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5030 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2950 mm |