1973 Ford Cortina vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2002 Nissan Altima is newer by 29 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 3,505 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Altima (247 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Nissan Altima weights approximately 375 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, 2002 Nissan Altima, 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, 2002 Nissan Altima (338 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Cortina | Altima |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 3505 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 81 mm |
| 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 | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 73 L |
