1997 Ford Contour vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 2 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 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (161 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 24 kg more than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1997 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Contour | 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Contour | SLK |
Year Released | 1997 | 1999 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 168 HP | 161 HP |
Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5300 RPM |
Torque | 220 Nm | 234 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 1290 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1280 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |