1981 Ford Escort vs. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 19 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 2,295 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 1096 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 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | SLK |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2430 mm |
