1986 Ford Escort vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (106 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 550 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK (185 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (138 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | CLK |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 69 L |
