1980 Ford Escort vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 33 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S (423 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 344 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (79 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1180 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S (700 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 575 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2013 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | S |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 423 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 165 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 2075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 5096 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 2120 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 3035 mm |
