1999 Ford Contour vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Ford Contour would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK (198 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 233 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 2013 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK (310 Nm @ 4350 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Contour | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Contour | SLK |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4350 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4134 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2006 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1303 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2430 mm |
