1979 Ford Cortina vs. 1988 Suzuki Alto
To start off, 1988 Suzuki Alto is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford Cortina (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1988 Suzuki Alto. (38 HP @ 7500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1988 Suzuki Alto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Cortina weights approximately 390 kg more than 1988 Suzuki Alto. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Suzuki Alto, 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, 1979 Ford Cortina (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Suzuki Alto. (59 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Suzuki Alto.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Cortina | 1988 Suzuki Alto | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Cortina | Alto |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 59 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 30 L |
