1994 Ford Escort vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Ford Escort would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 279 more horse power than 1994 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1994 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 755 kg more than 1994 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 416 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Ford Escort. (114 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Ford Escort. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1994 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1994 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Ford Escort | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | SL |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1391 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77.2 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
