1973 Ford Cortina vs. 2008 Ford Mondeo
To start off, 2008 Ford Mondeo is newer by 35 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Ford Mondeo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Mondeo (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Mondeo should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 444 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, 2008 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, 2008 Ford Mondeo (280 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Ford Mondeo | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Mondeo |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 1484 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 59 L |
