1979 Ford Cortina vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2002 Nissan Altima is newer by 23 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 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Altima (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1979 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Nissan Altima weights approximately 296 kg more than 1979 Ford Cortina. 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, 2002 Nissan Altima, 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, 2002 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Cortina | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Cortina | Altima |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 76 L |
