1981 Ford Cortina vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 27 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 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 785 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Cortina | 2008 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cortina | C |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1293 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 62 L |
