1979 Ford Escort vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano is newer by 32 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 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano (161 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano weights approximately 1955 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.
Because 1979 Ford Escort is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano (360 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort. 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Escort | 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | Viano |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3210 mm |
