1973 Ford Cortina vs. 1987 Peugeot 309
To start off, 1987 Peugeot 309 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 1,905 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Peugeot 309 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Peugeot 309 (130 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Peugeot 309 should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Ford Cortina weights approximately 110 kg more than 1987 Peugeot 309.
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 Peugeot 309, 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 Peugeot 309 (161 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Peugeot 309 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 1987 Peugeot 309 | |
| Make | Ford | Peugeot |
| Model | Cortina | 309 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1905 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 55 L |
