1973 Ford Cortina vs. 1989 GMC Suburban
To start off, 1989 GMC Suburban is newer by 16 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 5,732 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 GMC Suburban (208 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 GMC Suburban should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina.
Because 1989 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Ford Cortina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 GMC Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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, 1989 GMC Suburban (407 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 316 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina. 1989 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 1973 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1973 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 GMC Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 1989 GMC Suburban | |
| Make | Ford | GMC |
| Model | Cortina | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 5732 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 3300 mm |
