1968 Ford Escort vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 30 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 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz C (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (55 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 539 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz C 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz C (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (82 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1998 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | C |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1117 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 82 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 85.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 871 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 62 L |
