1998 Ford Contour vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Contour would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (356 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 494 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 306 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Ford Contour | 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Contour | S |
Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2544 cc | 5439 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 195 HP | 356 HP |
Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 224 Nm | 530 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 3150 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 97 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 92 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1905 kg |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3090 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 88 L |