1966 Ford Lotus Cortina vs. 1997 Saturn SL
To start off, 1997 Saturn SL is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina would be higher. At 1,899 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Saturn SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1997 Saturn SL. (100 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina should accelerate faster than 1997 Saturn SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Saturn SL weights approximately 150 kg more than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina.
Because 1966 Ford Lotus 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 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Saturn SL, 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, 1997 Saturn SL (158 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Saturn SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina | 1997 Saturn SL | |
| Make | Ford | Saturn |
| Model | Lotus Cortina | SL |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1899 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 905 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
