1985 Ford Escort vs. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 (134 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1985 Ford Escort. (132 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 265 kg more than 1985 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 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 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Escort. (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Escort. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 has automatic transmission and 1985 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1985 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Escort | 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | 230 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2720 mm |
