1981 Ford Escort vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 32 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 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL (613 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 543 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1291 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 CL. 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL (999 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 878 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | CL |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 613 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 2245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 5106 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 2139 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1428 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2955 mm |
