1976 Ford Escort vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, both 1976 Ford Escort and 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 were released in the same year (1976). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1976 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 588 kg more than 1976 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, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Escort | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | 280 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 876 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2800 mm |
