1974 Ford Cortina vs. 2011 Fiat Idea
To start off, 2011 Fiat Idea is newer by 37 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 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Fiat Idea is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Fiat Idea (100 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Fiat Idea should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Fiat Idea weights approximately 205 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, 2011 Fiat Idea, 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, 2011 Fiat Idea (260 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Fiat Idea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Cortina | 2011 Fiat Idea | |
| Make | Ford | Fiat |
| Model | Cortina | Idea |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 47 L |
