1973 Ford Cortina vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 (231 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 680 kg more than 1973 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 (327 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 has automatic transmission and 1973 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1973 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | 420 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 327 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3080 mm |
