1948 Citroen 2CV vs. 1973 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1973 Ford Cortina is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Citroen 2CV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Citroen 2CV would be higher. At 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Ford Cortina (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1948 Citroen 2CV. (9 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1948 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Ford Cortina weights approximately 263 kg more than 1948 Citroen 2CV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1948 Citroen 2CV, 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, 1973 Ford Cortina (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Citroen 2CV. (23 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1973 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Citroen 2CV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Citroen 2CV | 1973 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | 2CV | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 375 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 9 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 23 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 62 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 682 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 55 L |
