1975 Ford Cortina vs. 1996 Opel Vectra
To start off, 1996 Opel Vectra is newer by 21 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Opel Vectra (100 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1975 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Opel Vectra weights approximately 278 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, 1996 Opel Vectra, 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, 1996 Opel Vectra (150 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Cortina | 1996 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Cortina | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 79.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1223 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
