1973 Ford Cortina vs. 1997 Skoda Octavia
To start off, 1997 Skoda Octavia 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Skoda Octavia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Skoda Octavia (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Skoda Octavia should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Skoda Octavia weights approximately 355 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 Skoda Octavia, 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 Skoda Octavia (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Skoda Octavia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 1997 Skoda Octavia | |
| Make | Ford | Skoda |
| Model | Cortina | Octavia |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2520 mm |
