1997 Ford Contour vs. 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 (275 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 weights approximately 738 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 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 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 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420. 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, 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1995 Mercedes-Benz E420 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Contour | E420 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 2052 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2840 mm |
