1971 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1975 Ford Escort
To start off, 1975 Ford Escort is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1975 Ford Escort. (62 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 460 kg more than 1975 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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1975 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | SL | Escort |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2778 cc | 1599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
