1975 Ford Cortina vs. 1979 Plymouth Horizon
To start off, 1979 Plymouth Horizon is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Plymouth Horizon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Plymouth Horizon (62 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1975 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Plymouth Horizon should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Plymouth Horizon weights approximately 57 kg more than 1975 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Plymouth Horizon, 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, 1979 Plymouth Horizon (115 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Plymouth Horizon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Cortina | 1979 Plymouth Horizon | |
| Make | Ford | Plymouth |
| Model | Cortina | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2530 mm |
