1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 35 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL (210 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 1465 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Ford Cortina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL (542 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 420 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 2011 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | GL |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 542 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 2500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 5098 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1989 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1839 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 3076 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 100 L |
