1971 Ford Cortina vs. 1989 Saab 9000
To start off, 1989 Saab 9000 is newer by 18 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 2,290 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Saab 9000 (150 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1971 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Saab 9000 weights approximately 410 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, 1989 Saab 9000, 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, 1989 Saab 9000 (212 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Cortina | 1989 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Ford | Saab |
| Model | Cortina | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 212 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2670 mm |
