1968 Ford Escort vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford Escort (75 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. (58 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 545 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort.
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 220 (126 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (101 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | 220 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 135 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 65 L |
