1980 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E

To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 29 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (383 HP) has 334 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 1970 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 2009 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 2009 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 446 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (84 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort. 2009 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1980 Ford Escort 2009 Mercedes-Benz E
Make Ford Mercedes-Benz
Model Escort E
Year Released 1980 2009
Body Type Station Wagon Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1116 cc 5461 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 49 HP 383 HP
Torque 84 Nm 530 Nm
Torque RPM 2700 RPM 2800 RPM
Engine Bore Size 74 mm 98 mm
Engine Stroke Size 65 mm 90.5 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 9.5:1 10.7:1
Top Speed 142 km/hour 255 km/hour
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 860 kg 2830 kg
Vehicle Length 4040 mm 4870 mm
Vehicle Width 1650 mm 1490 mm
Vehicle Height 1390 mm 1830 mm
Wheelbase Size 2410 mm 2860 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 40 L 80 L