1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 30 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 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (90 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 750 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | CLK |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1592 cc | 3497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 62 L |
