1974 Ford Cortina vs. 1996 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 1996 Nissan Sentra is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,392 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Nissan Sentra (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 15 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, 1996 Nissan Sentra, 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, 1996 Nissan Sentra (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Cortina | 1996 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Cortina | Sentra |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2440 mm |
