2008 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1978 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (187 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1978 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 605 kg more than 1978 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 E (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Cortina. (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Cortina. 1978 Ford Cortina has automatic transmission and 2008 Mercedes-Benz E has manual transmission. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Ford Cortina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | 1978 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | E | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2580 mm |
