1996 Ford Escort vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1996 Ford Escort is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz E (94 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 202 kg more than 1996 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz E (159 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (115 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 1973 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | E |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1391 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
