1977 Ford Cortina vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 28 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (469 HP @ 2650 RPM) has 383 more horse power than 1977 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 845 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 560 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Cortina. (140 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Cortina. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1977 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1977 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Cortina | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | SL |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2570 mm |
