1996 Ford Escort vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1996 Ford Escort is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. Both 1996 Ford Escort and 1971 Mercedes-Benz E are equipped with a 1,988 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Escort (112 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1971 Mercedes-Benz E. (94 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 200 kg more than 1996 Ford Escort.
Because 1971 Mercedes-Benz E 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 1971 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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 Ford Escort (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz E. (159 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 1971 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | E |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2760 mm |
