1980 Ford Cortina vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1980 Ford Cortina is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,305 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 (109 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1980 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 373 kg more than 1980 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, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 (185 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Cortina | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | 230 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 2305 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 65 L |
