1971 Ford Cortina vs. 2004 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2004 Opel Vectra is newer by 33 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 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Opel Vectra (152 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1971 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Opel Vectra weights approximately 510 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, 2004 Opel Vectra, 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, 2004 Opel Vectra (223 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Cortina | 2004 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Cortina | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 60 L |
