1997 Ford Contour vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 12 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz E. (161 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 270 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Contour | 2009 Mercedes-Benz E | |
Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Contour | E |
Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1796 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 | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 1584 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4860 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1500 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1830 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2860 mm |