1970 Ford Cortina vs. 2012 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Sentra is newer by 42 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Sentra (177 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1970 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 380 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, 2012 Nissan Sentra, 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, 2012 Nissan Sentra (233 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Cortina | 2012 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Cortina | Sentra |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4575 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1511 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 55 L |
