1971 Ford Escort vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Escort would be higher. At 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (215 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1971 Ford Escort. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 825 kg more than 1971 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (310 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Escort. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 1971 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1971 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Escort | 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | CLK |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2720 mm |
