1959 Ford Escort vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 19 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 2,998 cc (5 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (114 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1959 Ford Escort. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1398 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Escort. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Escort | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | S |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1171 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 817 kg | 2215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2870 mm |
