1997 Ford Contour vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Contour would be higher. At 5,786 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (362 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 650 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 1998 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 1998 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 299 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Contour | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Contour | S |
Year Released | 1997 | 1998 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2544 cc | 5786 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 362 HP |
Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 231 Nm | 530 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 2040 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5160 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3090 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 88 L |