1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1981 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1981 Ford Cortina is newer by 26 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 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Cortina weights approximately 55 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 (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1955 Austin-Healey 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 1981 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
| Model | 100 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 109 L | 54 L |
