1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 20 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 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (375 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 319 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1105 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 489 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1976 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1976 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | SL |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 5956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 375 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
