1978 Ford Cortina vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 18 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 2,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1978 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 215 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Cortina. (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Cortina. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Ford Cortina | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Cortina | SLK |
Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2295 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 86 HP | 190 HP |
Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5300 RPM |
Torque | 141 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1325 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4020 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |