1973 Ford Cortina vs. 1989 Volvo 460
To start off, 1989 Volvo 460 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Volvo 460 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volvo 460 (83 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volvo 460 should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Volvo 460 weights approximately 16 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, 1989 Volvo 460, 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, 1989 Volvo 460 (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Volvo 460 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 1989 Volvo 460 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Cortina | 460 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1056 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 60 L |
