1999 Ford Contour vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260
To start off, 1999 Ford Contour is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 weights approximately 282 kg more than 1999 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 has automatic transmission and 1999 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1999 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1999 Ford Contour | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 | |
Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Contour | 260 |
Year Released | 1999 | 1990 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2599 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 128 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 175 Nm | 228 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1524 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5030 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2940 mm |