1981 Ford Cortina vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 25 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 243 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina.
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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 368 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina. 2006 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Cortina | 2006 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | S |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1293 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 88 L |
