1979 Ford Cortina vs. 2009 Saturn Aura
To start off, 2009 Saturn Aura is newer by 30 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 3,563 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Saturn Aura is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Saturn Aura (252 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 1979 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Saturn Aura should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Saturn Aura weights approximately 285 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, 2009 Saturn Aura, 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, 2009 Saturn Aura (340 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Saturn Aura will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Cortina. 2009 Saturn Aura has automatic transmission and 1979 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1979 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Saturn Aura will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Cortina | 2009 Saturn Aura | |
| Make | Ford | Saturn |
| Model | Cortina | Aura |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 3563 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 61 L |
