1997 Ford Contour vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 9 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 (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 300 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. 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 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (220 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Contour | C |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 62 L |
