1978 Ford Escort vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 26 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 3,724 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 935 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2004 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | S |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 3724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2860 mm |
