1998 Ford Contour vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 14 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 254 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 663 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Ford Contour | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Contour | SL |
Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1989 cc | 5500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 128 HP | 382 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 530 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1905 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4582 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1298 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2560 mm |