1974 Ford Cortina vs. 1997 Mercury Mystique
To start off, 1997 Mercury Mystique is newer by 23 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercury Mystique is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercury Mystique (130 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercury Mystique should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercury Mystique weights approximately 297 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, 1997 Mercury Mystique, 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, 1997 Mercury Mystique (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercury Mystique will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Cortina | 1997 Mercury Mystique | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Cortina | Mystique |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 180 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 | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2710 mm |
