1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (157 HP) has 103 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (54 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 610 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | S |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 157 HP |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 85 L |
