1974 Ford Cortina vs. 2008 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 34 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 3,342 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Hyundai Sonata (234 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Ford Cortina weights approximately 148 kg more than 2008 Hyundai Sonata.
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, 2008 Hyundai Sonata, 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, 2008 Hyundai Sonata (306 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina. 2008 Hyundai Sonata 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. 2008 Hyundai Sonata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Cortina | 2008 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Ford | Hyundai |
| Model | Cortina | Sonata |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 3342 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 234 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 797 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 67 L |
