2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK vs. 1999 Ford Contour
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK is newer by 12 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK weights approximately 608 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK (349 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK | 1999 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | GLK | Contour |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1999 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 349 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | Front |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4529 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1887 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1699 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2756 mm | 2710 mm |
