1981 Ford Escort vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,461 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 (235 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 weights approximately 386 kg more than 1981 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 (246 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | 190 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 97.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2670 mm |
