1970 Ford Cortina vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Ford Cortina (88 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. (81 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 774 kg more than 1970 Ford Cortina.
Because 1970 Ford Cortina 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 1970 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A (180 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Cortina. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Cortina | 2004 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | A |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.8 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1764 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2570 mm |
