1974 Ford Cortina vs. 2005 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2005 Nissan Altima is newer by 31 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 2,491 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan Altima weights approximately 463 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, 2005 Nissan Altima, 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, 2005 Nissan Altima (237 Nm) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm). This means 2005 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Cortina | 2005 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Cortina | Altima |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1408 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 76 L |
