1979 Ford Escort vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1979 Ford Escort is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,308 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 (120 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 643 kg more than 1979 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 (179 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Escort | 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | 230 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 2308 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1518 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 5340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3400 mm |
