1979 Ford Escort vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E

To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Escort would be higher. At 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (221 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 910 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1979 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1979 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1979 Ford Escort 2005 Mercedes-Benz E
Make Ford Mercedes-Benz
Model Escort E
Year Released 1979 2005
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 939 cc 3199 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 45 HP 221 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 5600 RPM
Torque 60 Nm 315 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 1785 kg
Vehicle Length 3980 mm 4860 mm
Vehicle Width 1600 mm 1830 mm
Vehicle Height 1390 mm 1500 mm
Wheelbase Size 2410 mm 2830 mm