1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1970 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1970 Ford Cortina. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 530 kg more than 1970 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Cortina. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Cortina. 1970 Ford Cortina has automatic transmission and 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 has manual transmission. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1970 Ford Cortina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1970 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | 280 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 238 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 54 L |
