1959 Ford Escort vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 46 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 462 more horse power than 1959 Ford Escort. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1223 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 729 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Escort. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Escort. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1959 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1959 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Escort | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | SL |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1171 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 87 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 817 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 80 L |
