1973 Ford Cortina vs. 1987 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1987 Lancia Thema 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 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lancia Thema (118 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lancia Thema weights approximately 270 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.
Because 1973 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 1973 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Lancia Thema, 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, 1987 Lancia Thema (165 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 1987 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Cortina | Thema |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 65 L |
