1988 Ford Escort vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Escort (89 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (88 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 70 kg more than 1988 Ford Escort.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A (180 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Escort. (145 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Escort | 1997 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | A |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1689 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2430 mm |
