1989 Ford Escort vs. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Escort would be higher. At 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL (217 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1989 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Escort.
Because 2000 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 2000 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, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL (316 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Escort. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 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 | 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | SL |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4470 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 |
