2012 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 1977 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1977 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 130 kg more than 1977 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 Ford Cortina is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1977 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A (155 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Cortina. (140 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Cortina. 1977 Ford Cortina has automatic transmission and 2012 Mercedes-Benz A has manual transmission. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Ford Cortina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2012 Mercedes-Benz A | 1977 Ford Cortina | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
Model | A | Cortina |
Year Released | 2012 | 1977 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1699 cc | 1997 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 115 HP | 86 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
Torque | 155 Nm | 140 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1110 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4380 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2580 mm |