2006 Ford Escape vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Ford Escape is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Ford Escape is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Escape (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 540 kg more than 2006 Ford Escape.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Escape, 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Escape. (262 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Escape.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Escape | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escape | SL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 2797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 80 L |
