1974 Ford Cortina vs. 1949 GAZ M-20
To start off, 1974 Ford Cortina is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 GAZ M-20. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 GAZ M-20 would be higher. At 2,118 cc (4 cylinders), 1949 GAZ M-20 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Ford Cortina (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1949 GAZ M-20. (51 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1949 GAZ M-20. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 GAZ M-20 weights approximately 420 kg more than 1974 Ford Cortina.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1949 GAZ M-20 (125 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1949 GAZ M-20 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Cortina | 1949 GAZ M-20 | |
| Make | Ford | GAZ |
| Model | Cortina | M-20 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1949 |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2118 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2710 mm |
