1973 Citroen GS vs. 1977 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1977 Ford Cortina is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Citroen GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Citroen GS would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Citroen GS (106 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1977 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Citroen GS should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Citroen GS weights approximately 60 kg more than 1977 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Citroen GS, 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, 1977 Ford Cortina (140 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen GS. (138 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1977 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Citroen GS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Citroen GS | 1977 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | GS | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2580 mm |
