1973 Ford Cortina vs. 2003 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2003 Opel Vectra 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Vectra (125 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina.
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 Opel Vectra, 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 Opel Vectra (170 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 2003 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Cortina | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| 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 Length | 4280 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 61 L |
