1974 Ford Cortina vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 6,207 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (507 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 451 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 960 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 CLS (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 539 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Cortina | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | CLS |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 6207 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 507 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 102.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
