1986 Ford Escort vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 (95 HP) has 20 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (75 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 weights approximately 495 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 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 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 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200. 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, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 (158 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 has automatic transmission and 1986 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1986 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | 200 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1392 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 95 HP |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2800 mm |
