1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1976 Ford Cortina is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (107 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 295 kg more than 1976 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, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 (271 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (177 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | 300 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 100 L |
