1974 Ford Cortina vs. 2003 Saab 03-Sep
To start off, 2003 Saab 03-Sep is newer by 29 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Saab 03-Sep is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Saab 03-Sep (250 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Saab 03-Sep should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Saab 03-Sep weights approximately 720 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, 2003 Saab 03-Sep, 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, 2003 Saab 03-Sep (370 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Saab 03-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Cortina | 2003 Saab 03-Sep | |
| Make | Ford | Saab |
| Model | Cortina | 03-Sep |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |
