1970 Ford Cortina vs. 2009 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima is newer by 39 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 2,491 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1970 Ford Cortina. (88 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Altima weights approximately 564 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, 2009 Nissan Altima, 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, 2009 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Cortina. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Cortina | 2009 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Cortina | Altima |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2680 mm |
