1971 Ford Cortina vs. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 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 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Silverado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado (315 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 259 more horse power than 1971 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado weights approximately 509 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Chevrolet Silverado (458 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 367 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Silverado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Cortina. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 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 Chevrolet Silverado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Cortina | 2012 Chevrolet Silverado | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Cortina | Silverado |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 5300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 458 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1549 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 6340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 4010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 129 L |
