1978 Ford Cortina vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 29 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 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 518 more horse power than 1978 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 675 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL (1,000 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 859 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Cortina. (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Cortina. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Cortina | 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | CL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2890 mm |
