1986 Ford Escort vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 13 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 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK (220 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 580 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 1999 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 1999 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK (312 Nm) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | CLK |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 83.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2830 mm |
