1979 Ford Escort vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 27 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 448 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1010 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 741 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Escort | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | CL |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 801 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2890 mm |
