1978 Ford Cortina vs. 2009 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2009 Nissan Frontier is newer by 31 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1978 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 219 kg more than 1978 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, 2009 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Cortina. (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Cortina. 2009 Nissan Frontier has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Nissan Frontier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Cortina | 2009 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Cortina | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 3200 mm |
