1973 Ford Cortina vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 30 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 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz C (141 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 480 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz C (316 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina. 2003 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2003 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 2003 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | C |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 69 L |
