2000 Ford Contour vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Ford Contour would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 292 more horse power than 2000 Ford Contour. (201 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2000 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 537 kg more than 2000 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (701 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 471 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Ford Contour. (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Ford Contour. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2000 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 2000 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Ford Contour | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Contour | SL |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 701 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1418 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 80 L |
