1975 Ford Escort vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 37 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (518 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 456 more horse power than 1975 Ford Escort. (62 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 1040 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (699 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 589 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Escort. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Escort | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | CLS |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4996 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2875 mm |
