1977 Ford Cortina vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2012 Nissan Frontier is newer by 35 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 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Frontier (152 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1977 Ford Cortina. (108 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 565 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Nissan Frontier (232 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Cortina. (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Cortina | 2012 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Cortina | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1128 kg | 1693 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 80 L |
