1970 Ford Cortina vs. 1974 Saab 99
To start off, 1974 Saab 99 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Saab 99 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Saab 99 (94 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1970 Ford Cortina. (88 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Saab 99 should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Saab 99 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1970 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Saab 99, 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, 1974 Saab 99 (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Cortina. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Saab 99 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Cortina | 1974 Saab 99 | |
| Make | Ford | Saab |
| Model | Cortina | 99 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2480 mm |
