2009 Ford Escape vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2009 Ford Escape is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK would be higher. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Escape (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 528 kg more than 2009 Ford Escape.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 CLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Ford Escape (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (185 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Escape will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Escape | 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escape | CLK |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 69 L |
