1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (90 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 1340 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.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Ford Cortina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL will offer significantly more control. 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 GL (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 388 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL 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 GL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | GL |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 2454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 100 L |
