1972 Ford Cortina vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 37 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 454 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1141 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 739 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | CL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 2185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 90 L |
