1974 Ford Cortina vs. 2008 Skoda Octavia
To start off, 2008 Skoda Octavia 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 1,389 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Skoda Octavia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Skoda Octavia (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Skoda Octavia should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Skoda Octavia weights approximately 360 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, 2008 Skoda Octavia, 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 Skoda Octavia (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Skoda Octavia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Cortina | 2008 Skoda Octavia | |
| Make | Ford | Skoda |
| Model | Cortina | Octavia |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
