1986 Ford Escort vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 26 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (201 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 590 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | SLK |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 151 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
