1985 Ford Escort vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 5,506 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 361 more horse power than 1985 Ford Escort. (132 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 615 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 SL 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 SL. 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 SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 620 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Escort. (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Escort. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Escort | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | SL |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 5506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2570 mm |
