1974 Ford Cortina vs. 2009 Tata Indica
To start off, 2009 Tata Indica 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 1,405 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Tata Indica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Tata Indica (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Tata Indica should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Ford Cortina weights approximately 35 kg more than 2009 Tata Indica.
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 Tata Indica, 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 Tata Indica (115 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Tata Indica will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Cortina | 2009 Tata Indica | |
| Make | Ford | Tata |
| Model | Cortina | Indica |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1405 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 3680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 37 L |
