1989 Ford Escort vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, both 1989 Ford Escort and 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL were released in the same year (1989). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1989 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Escort.
Because 1989 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 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Escort. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Escort | 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | SL |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 80 L |
