1978 Ford Escort vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 30 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (187 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 840 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | E |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2860 mm |
