1962 Ford Cortina vs. 1978 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 1978 Chrysler 1609 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,639 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Chrysler 1609 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Chrysler 1609 (89 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1962 Ford Cortina. (48 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Chrysler 1609 should accelerate faster than 1962 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chrysler 1609 weights approximately 312 kg more than 1962 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, 1978 Chrysler 1609 (133 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Ford Cortina. (90 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1978 Chrysler 1609 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Ford Cortina. 1978 Chrysler 1609 has automatic transmission and 1962 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1962 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Chrysler 1609 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Ford Cortina | 1978 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | Ford | Chrysler |
| Model | Cortina | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1639 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 778 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2670 mm |
