1986 Ford Escort vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 25 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 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (621 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 562 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1370 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 2011 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 2011 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (999 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 889 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 2011 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | CL |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 621 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 151 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 2280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 5105 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 90 L |
