1985 Ford Escort vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E

To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 21 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1985 Ford Escort. (132 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 730 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E (351 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Escort. (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Escort. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1985 Ford Escort 2006 Mercedes-Benz E
Make Ford Mercedes-Benz
Model Escort E
Year Released 1985 2006
Body Type Hatchback Station Wagon
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1597 cc 3498 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 132 HP 268 HP
Engine RPM 5750 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 180 Nm 351 Nm
Torque RPM 2750 RPM 2400 RPM
Engine Bore Size 80 mm 92.9 mm
Engine Stroke Size 79.5 mm 86 mm
Top Speed 196 km/hour 250 km/hour
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 3 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1080 kg 1810 kg
Vehicle Length 4070 mm 4860 mm
Vehicle Width 1840 mm 1830 mm
Vehicle Height 1360 mm 1500 mm
Wheelbase Size 2410 mm 2860 mm