1986 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 23 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 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 469 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 536 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (630 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 547 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | CL |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1117 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 140 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 90 L |
