1978 Ford Escort vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 360 kg more than 1978 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Ford Escort | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Escort | SLK |
Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 938 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 45 HP | 134 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 60 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1270 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1280 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |