1993 Ford Escort vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Ford Escort would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (376 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 289 more horse power than 1993 Ford Escort. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1993 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 705 kg more than 1993 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 434 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Ford Escort. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Ford Escort | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | SL |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2520 mm |
