2004 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2000 Ford Contour
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 4 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 2000 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2000 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 632 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 2004 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 2004 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2000 Ford Contour | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
Model | SL | Contour |
Year Released | 2004 | 2000 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4966 cc | 1989 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 302 HP | 128 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 460 Nm | 180 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 84.8 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1248 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2710 mm |