1978 Ford Escort vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 27 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 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 230 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1070 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.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (401 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 341 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort. 2005 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. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | S |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 938 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 88 L |
