2000 Ford Contour vs. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2000 Ford Contour is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 (215 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2000 Ford Contour. (201 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2000 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Ford Contour weights approximately 89 kg more than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Because 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 (275 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Ford Contour. (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Ford Contour | 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Contour | 300 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1418 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 100 L |
