2005 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1999 Ford Contour
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 6 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 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (603 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 475 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 978 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz S 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 S. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (998 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 823 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | 1999 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | S | Contour |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5980 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 603 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 998 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2220 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2710 mm |
