1974 Ford Cortina vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 548 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1885 kg more than 1974 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 910 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1974 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1974 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Cortina | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | CL |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 1001 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 88 L |
