1974 Ford Cortina vs. 2009 Kia Rio
To start off, 2009 Kia Rio is newer by 35 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 1,343 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Kia Rio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Rio (81 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Rio weights approximately 199 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, 2009 Kia Rio, 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, 2009 Kia Rio (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Rio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Cortina | 2009 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Cortina | Rio |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1343 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1144 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
