1959 Ford Escort vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1959 Ford Escort. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 798 kg more than 1959 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Escort. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Escort | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | 280 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1171 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 817 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 95 L |
