1970 Ford Cortina vs. 2008 Nissan Versa
To start off, 2008 Nissan Versa is newer by 38 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 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Versa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Versa (123 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1970 Ford Cortina. (68 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Versa should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Versa weights approximately 1445 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, 2008 Nissan Versa, 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, 2008 Nissan Versa (172 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Cortina. (115 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Versa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Cortina | 2008 Nissan Versa | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Cortina | Versa |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 2405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2610 mm |
