1980 Ford Escort vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 28 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (221 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (96 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 800 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 378 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | E |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 80 L |
