1998 Ford Contour vs. 1988 Mercedes-Benz G
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Mercedes-Benz G. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Mercedes-Benz G would be higher. At 2,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Mercedes-Benz G is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1988 Mercedes-Benz G. (125 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1988 Mercedes-Benz G. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mercedes-Benz G weights approximately 638 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour.
Because 1988 Mercedes-Benz G is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Mercedes-Benz G 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, 1988 Mercedes-Benz G (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Mercedes-Benz G will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 1988 Mercedes-Benz G | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Contour | G |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.9 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
