1998 Ford Contour vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is newer by 12 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), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (618 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 423 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 414 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 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 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 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (780 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 556 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 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. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Contour | SLR McLaren |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
| 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 | 618 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 780 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 332 km/hour |
| 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 | 1825 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 97 L |
