1974 Citroen GS vs. 1981 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1981 Ford Cortina is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Citroen GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Citroen GS would be higher. At 1,293 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Cortina (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1974 Citroen GS. (58 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1974 Citroen GS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Cortina weights approximately 58 kg more than 1974 Citroen GS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Citroen GS, 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, 1981 Ford Cortina (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Citroen GS. (87 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Citroen GS. 1974 Citroen GS has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Citroen GS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Citroen GS | 1981 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | GS | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1220 cc | 1293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65.6 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 942 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 54 L |
