1998 Ford Contour vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 11 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), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 171 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 286 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Contour | SLK |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
