1975 Ford Escort vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 28 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 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz A (80 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1975 Ford Escort. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 135 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.
Because 1975 Ford Escort is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1975 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz A (130 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Escort. (85 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Escort. 2003 Mercedes-Benz A 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. 2003 Mercedes-Benz A will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Escort | 2003 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | A |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 885 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2600 mm |
