1962 Ford Cortina vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1962 Ford Cortina. (48 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1962 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 512 kg more than 1962 Ford Cortina. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Ford Cortina. (90 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Ford Cortina | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | SLK |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58.1 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 778 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 70 L |
