1972 Ford Cortina vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,697 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK (95 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 431 kg more than 1972 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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK (178 Nm) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | SLK |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1475 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 62 L |
