1956 Ford Escort vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 57 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK (198 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1956 Ford Escort. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 658 kg more than 1956 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK (310 Nm @ 4350 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Escort. (72 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Escort | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | SLK |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 4350 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 817 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4134 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 2006 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1303 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2430 mm |
