1978 Ford Cortina vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1978 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 555 kg more than 1978 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 CLK (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Cortina. (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Cortina | 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | CLK |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
