1986 Ford Escort vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1020 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 S 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 S. 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 S (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S 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 S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | S |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1115 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
