1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1970 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1970 Ford Cortina is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,658 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 (132 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1970 Ford Cortina. (97 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Ford Cortina weights approximately 151 kg more than 1955 Austin-Healey 100.
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, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 (228 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Cortina. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1955 Austin-Healey 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 1970 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
| Model | 100 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2658 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 90.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 169 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 851 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 109 L | 87 L |
