1973 Ford Cortina vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 31 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 5,437 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK (574 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 518 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 708 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK (800 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 709 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | CLK |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 5437 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 574 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1748 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 92 L |
