1981 Ford Cortina vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1981 Ford Cortina is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 (109 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 520 kg more than 1981 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 (185 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Cortina | 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | 300 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1293 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 72 L |
