1968 Ford Escort vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is newer by 10 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 2,399 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford Escort (75 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 555 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (101 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | 240 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 21.0:1 |
| 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 | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 65 L |
