1997 Ford Contour vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 10 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 150 kg more than 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Because 2007 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 2007 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (511 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Contour | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Contour | SLK |
Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2544 cc | 5439 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 355 HP |
Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 231 Nm | 511 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1240 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1280 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |