1975 Ford Cortina vs. 1988 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1988 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 13 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. Both 1975 Ford Cortina and 1988 Suzuki Samurai are equipped with a 1,298 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Suzuki Samurai (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1975 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Suzuki Samurai should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Ford Cortina weights approximately 15 kg more than 1988 Suzuki Samurai.
Because 1988 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1975 Ford Cortina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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, 1988 Suzuki Samurai (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Suzuki Samurai will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Cortina | 1988 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Cortina | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2490 mm |
