1968 Ford Escort vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 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 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (225 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (82 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 830 kg more than 1968 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 450 (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 276 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (102 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 1968 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1968 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | 450 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 4519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 378 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 158 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 90 L |
