1977 Ford Cortina vs. 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze (138 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1977 Ford Cortina. (108 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Chevrolet Cruze weights approximately 279 kg more than 1977 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, 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 Chevrolet Cruze (200 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Cortina. (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Chevrolet Cruze will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Cortina. 2011 Chevrolet Cruze has automatic transmission and 1977 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1977 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Chevrolet Cruze will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Cortina | 2011 Chevrolet Cruze | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Cortina | Cruze |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1128 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4597 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 59 L |
