1968 Ford Escort vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is newer by 29 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 6,898 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR (604 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 550 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (54 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR weights approximately 455 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.
Because 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1968 Ford Escort, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR (770 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 688 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (82 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | CLK GTR |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1117 cc | 6898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 82 Nm | 770 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2680 mm |
