1970 Ford Cortina vs. 2004 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2004 Smart ForFour is newer by 34 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, 2004 Smart ForFour (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1970 Ford Cortina. (68 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Smart ForFour weights approximately 15 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, 2004 Smart ForFour, 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. 2004 Smart ForFour has automatic transmission and 1970 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1970 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Smart ForFour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Cortina | 2004 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Cortina | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 148 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2510 mm |
