1974 Austin 1800 vs. 1974 Ford Cortina
To start off, both 1974 Austin 1800 and 1974 Ford Cortina were released in the same year (1974). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Austin 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Austin 1800 (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Austin 1800 should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Austin 1800 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1974 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Austin 1800, 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, 1974 Austin 1800 (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Austin 1800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Austin 1800 | 1974 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | 1800 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.3 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 87 L |
