1973 Ford Cortina vs. 1997 Plymouth Neon
To start off, 1997 Plymouth Neon is newer by 24 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Plymouth Neon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Plymouth Neon (131 HP @ 5850 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Plymouth Neon should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Plymouth Neon weights approximately 69 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, 1997 Plymouth Neon, 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, 1997 Plymouth Neon (174 Nm @ 4950 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Plymouth Neon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 1997 Plymouth Neon | |
| Make | Ford | Plymouth |
| Model | Cortina | Neon |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5850 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1109 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 79 L |
