1988 Ford Escort vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1988 Ford Escort is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1988 Ford Escort. (89 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 525 kg more than 1988 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Escort. (145 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Escort | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | 280 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2830 mm |
