1996 Ford Escort vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Escort (131 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 258 kg more than 1996 Ford Escort.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz C 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 C. 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 (172 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz C. (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 1998 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escort | C |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 85.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 62 L |
