1973 Ford Cortina vs. 1969 Volvo 120
To start off, 1973 Ford Cortina is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Volvo 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Volvo 120 (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Volvo 120 should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Volvo 120 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1973 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, 1969 Volvo 120 (158 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1969 Volvo 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 1969 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Cortina | 120 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
