1979 Ford Cortina vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,697 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1979 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 325 kg more than 1979 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Cortina is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 A (155 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Cortina | 2009 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | A |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 60 L |
