1986 Ford Escort vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 2,777 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE weights approximately 705 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE 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 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | SE |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 2777 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 63 L |
