1974 Citroen CX vs. 1978 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1978 Ford Cortina is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Citroen CX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Citroen CX would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Citroen CX (95 HP @ 3700 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1978 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Citroen CX should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Citroen CX weights approximately 410 kg more than 1978 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Citroen CX, 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 Citroen CX (216 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Cortina. (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Citroen CX | 1978 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | CX | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3700 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2580 mm |
