1981 Ford Cortina vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (356 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 297 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 905 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 438 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Cortina | 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | S |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1293 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 356 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 88 L |
