1997 Ford Contour vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz B
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz B is newer by 13 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 62 more horse power than 2010 Mercedes-Benz B. (138 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2010 Mercedes-Benz B. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz B weights approximately 45 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz B (300 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz B will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2010 Mercedes-Benz B | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Contour | B |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 54 L |
