1970 Ford Cortina vs. 1988 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1988 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 18 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 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 68 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Ford Cortina weights approximately 30 kg more than 1988 Suzuki Samurai.
Because 1988 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1970 Ford Cortina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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, 1970 Ford Cortina (115 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1970 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Cortina | 1988 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Cortina | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2490 mm |
