1978 Ford Escort vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 24 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 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 735 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2002 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | E |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2860 mm |
