1986 Ford Escort vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300
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 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 3,005 cc (5 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 (80 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 535 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 300 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 300. 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 300 (171 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | 300 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 3005 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 151 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 65 L |
