1997 Ford Contour vs. 2006 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mariner 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 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Mariner (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 329 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 2006 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Mercury Mariner (262 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2006 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Contour | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1571 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
