1973 Ford Cortina vs. 2003 Ford Mondeo
To start off, 2003 Ford Mondeo is newer by 30 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 1,753 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mondeo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mondeo (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mondeo should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 445 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, 2003 Ford Mondeo, 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, 2003 Ford Mondeo (175 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mondeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 2003 Ford Mondeo | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Mondeo |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2760 mm |
