1971 Ford Cortina vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 41 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (303 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 1971 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 795 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 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 Buick LaCrosse (358 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Cortina. 2012 Buick LaCrosse 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. 2012 Buick LaCrosse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Cortina | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Ford | Buick |
| Model | Cortina | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 303 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 358 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 68 L |
