2007 Mercedes-Benz GL vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Contour would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL (335 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 1188 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL will offer significantly more control. 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | GL | Contour |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4663 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.9 mm | 84.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2430 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2710 mm |
