1986 Ford Escort vs. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 14 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (90 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 855 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 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL (469 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 336 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (133 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 1986 Ford Escort has automatic transmission and 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Ford Escort will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | SL |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 469 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 80 L |
