1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 32 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 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 400 kg more than 1976 Ford Cortina.
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, 2008 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz A (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2008 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | A |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
