1971 Ford Cortina vs. 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,474 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1971 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 130 kg more than 1971 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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, 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass (180 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Cortina. 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1971 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1971 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Cortina | 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Cortina | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2640 mm |
