1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 27 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 403 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (90 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 911 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 678 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 2003 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. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | SL |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 2025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 80 L |
