1990 Ford Escort vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (263 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1990 Ford Escort. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 695 kg more than 1990 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 485 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Escort. (135 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Escort. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1990 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1990 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Escort | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | C |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1459 mm |
