1977 Ford Escort vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford Escort would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 310 more horse power than 1977 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 665 kg more than 1977 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (500 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 440 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Escort. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1977 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1977 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Escort | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | SLK |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 937 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2440 mm |
