1971 Ford Escort vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 37 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 230 more horse power than 1971 Ford Escort. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1075 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 282 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Escort. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Escort | 2008 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | S |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 3040 mm |
