1998 Ford Contour vs. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer 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 3,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 683 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 Mercury Mountaineer 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 Mercury Mountaineer 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 Mercury Mountaineer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer 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 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2006 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Contour | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2890 mm |
