1997 Ford Contour vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL (210 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 165 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL (540 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 309 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Contour | GL |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 100 L |
