1965 Ford Cortina vs. 1990 Mercury Capri
To start off, 1990 Mercury Capri is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercury Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercury Capri (100 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1965 Ford Cortina. (49 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Capri should accelerate faster than 1965 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Capri weights approximately 245 kg more than 1965 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 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 1965 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Capri, 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, 1990 Mercury Capri (130 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Ford Cortina. (90 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Capri will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Ford Cortina | 1990 Mercury Capri | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Cortina | Capri |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 835 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2410 mm |
