1978 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 31 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (221 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 1955 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 450 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | CLK |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2720 mm |
