1972 Ford Cortina vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK is newer by 40 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK weights approximately 806 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.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Ford Cortina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK (349 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | GLK |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4529 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1887 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1699 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2756 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 66 L |
