1972 Ford Escort vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1972 Ford Escort. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 860 kg more than 1972 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Escort. (146 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Escort. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Escort | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | SL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.8 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 80 L |
