1968 Ford Escort vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 36 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 2,032 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A (134 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 465 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, 2004 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A (180 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (98 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 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 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | A |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 54 L |
