1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 36 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 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (203 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 383 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | C |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 203 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 66 L |
