1968 Ford Escort vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 45 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK (298 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (82 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 735 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.
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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK (370 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (102 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | SLK |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 298 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 12.0 : 1 |
| Top Speed | 158 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4134 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 2006 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1303 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2430 mm |
