1968 Ford Escort vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2001 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 33 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 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercedes-Benz A (80 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (64 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 149 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 1968 Ford Escort 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 1968 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz A (131 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (101 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 2001 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | A |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 871 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 54 L |
