1977 Ford Cortina vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1977 Ford Cortina. (108 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 390 kg more than 1977 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Cortina. (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Cortina | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | 280 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2460 mm |
