1974 Ford Cortina vs. 1998 Rover 400
To start off, 1998 Rover 400 is newer by 24 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 1,394 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Rover 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Rover 400 (102 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Rover 400 should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Rover 400 weights approximately 175 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, 1998 Rover 400, 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, 1998 Rover 400 (182 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Rover 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Cortina | 1998 Rover 400 | |
| Make | Ford | Rover |
| Model | Cortina | 400 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1394 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2630 mm |
