1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 21 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 1,689 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A (88 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 19 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A.
Because 1976 Ford Cortina is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1976 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A (180 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A 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. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1997 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | A |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1689 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 54 L |
