1975 Ford Escort vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Escort would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (494 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 379 more horse power than 1975 Ford Escort. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 961 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 537 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Escort. (163 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Escort. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1975 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1975 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Escort | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | SL |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1845 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 494 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.8 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 914 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2570 mm |
