1977 Ford Cortina vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 32 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 274 more horse power than 1977 Ford Cortina. (108 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1720 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 309 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Cortina. (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Cortina | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | SL |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 2830 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 |
