1998 Ford Contour vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 4 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 298 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 724 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 2002 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 2002 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 577 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2002 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. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Contour | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 801 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 87 mm |
| 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 | 2135 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 88 L |
