1978 Ford Cortina vs. 2005 Nissan Micra
To start off, 2005 Nissan Micra is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan Micra (88 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1978 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Micra should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Cortina weights approximately 63 kg more than 2005 Nissan Micra.
Because 1978 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 1978 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Micra, 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, 1978 Ford Cortina (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Nissan Micra. (128 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Nissan Micra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Cortina | 2005 Nissan Micra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Cortina | Micra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1386 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1047 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2440 mm |
