1986 Ford Escort vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 27 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (523 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 464 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 935 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 2013 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 2013 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 690 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | SL |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 523 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 151 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 2099 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2585 mm |
