1973 Ford Cortina vs. 1987 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 1987 Jaguar XJS is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 3,590 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Jaguar XJS (217 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 590 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, 1987 Jaguar XJS (331 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 1987 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | Ford | Jaguar |
| Model | Cortina | XJS |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 3590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 331 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 91.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2600 mm |
