1974 Ford Cortina vs. 2006 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2006 Smart Roadster is newer by 32 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 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart Roadster (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Ford Cortina weights approximately 80 kg more than 2006 Smart Roadster.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Smart Roadster (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Smart Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina. 2006 Smart Roadster has automatic transmission and 1974 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1974 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Smart Roadster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Cortina | 2006 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Cortina | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 35 L |
