1962 Ford Cortina vs. 1983 Austin Ambassador
To start off, 1983 Austin Ambassador is newer by 21 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 1,698 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Austin Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Austin Ambassador (83 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1962 Ford Cortina. (48 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Austin Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1962 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Austin Ambassador weights approximately 427 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.
Because 1962 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 1962 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Austin Ambassador, 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, 1983 Austin Ambassador (131 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Ford Cortina. (90 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1983 Austin Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Ford Cortina. 1983 Austin Ambassador 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. 1983 Austin Ambassador will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1962 Ford Cortina | 1983 Austin Ambassador | |
Make | Ford | Austin |
Model | Cortina | Ambassador |
Year Released | 1962 | 1983 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1698 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 48 HP | 83 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 90 Nm | 131 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 778 kg | 1205 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4560 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2680 mm |