1998 Ford Contour vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML is newer by 8 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML (187 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML weights approximately 912 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML (440 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Contour | ML |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 2154 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2920 mm |
