1973 Ford Cortina vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 39 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 1,699 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 1792 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.
Because 1973 Ford Cortina is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1973 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 A (155 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | A |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1699 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 78.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 2832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 60 L |
