1963 Ford Cortina vs. 2011 Nissan Altima

To start off, 2011 Nissan Altima is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1963 Ford Cortina. (106 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1963 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Altima weights approximately 602 kg more than 1963 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1963 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 1963 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Altima, 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, 2011 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Ford Cortina. (149 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Ford Cortina.

Compare all specifications:

1963 Ford Cortina 2011 Nissan Altima
Make Ford Nissan
Model Cortina Altima
Year Released 1963 2011
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1558 cc 2500 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 106 HP 175 HP
Engine RPM 5500 RPM 5600 RPM
Torque 149 Nm 244 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 3900 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual CVT
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 840 kg 1442 kg
Vehicle Length 4280 mm 4844 mm
Vehicle Width 1590 mm 1796 mm
Vehicle Height 1400 mm 1473 mm
Wheelbase Size 2500 mm 2776 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 45 L 76 L