1968 Ford Escort vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 805 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 S (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (98 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz S 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 S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | S |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 65 L |
