1995 Ford Escort vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1995 Ford Escort is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,744 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1995 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1995 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 475 kg more than 1995 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Ford Escort. (133 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Ford Escort | 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | 280 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1135 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1430 mm |
