1979 Ford Cortina vs. 2012 GMC Sierra
To start off, 2012 GMC Sierra is newer by 33 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 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 GMC Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 GMC Sierra (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 243 more horse power than 1979 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 GMC Sierra should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 GMC Sierra weights approximately 1311 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.
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, 2012 GMC Sierra (413 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 321 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 GMC Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Cortina. 2012 GMC Sierra 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. 2012 GMC Sierra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Cortina | 2012 GMC Sierra | |
| Make | Ford | GMC |
| Model | Cortina | Sierra |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 4800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 413 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 2311 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5847 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2032 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1875 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 3645 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 98 L |
