1980 Ford Escort vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Escort would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (362 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 283 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (79 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 780 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Escort, 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (511 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 385 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (126 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 1980 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1980 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | CLK |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 511 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 1645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 62 L |
