2002 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1971 Ford Escort
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Escort would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 455 more horse power than 1971 Ford Escort. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1330 kg more than 1971 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 733 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | 1971 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | S | Escort |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 801 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2135 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2400 mm |
