1998 Ford Contour vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 7 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 3,220 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (201 HP @ 1800 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 528 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 2005 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 2005 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (479 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 299 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2005 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. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Contour | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3220 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 479 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.9 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2910 mm |
