1970 Ford Escort vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Escort would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (518 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 480 more horse power than 1970 Ford Escort. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 1135 kg more than 1970 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (699 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 631 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Escort. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1970 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1970 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Escort | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | CLS |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4996 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2875 mm |
