1966 Ford Lotus Cortina vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina would be higher. At 5,506 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 388 more horse power than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 790 kg more than 1966 Ford Lotus 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 655 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina has manual transmission. 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Lotus Cortina | SL |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 5506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 905 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
