1981 Fiat Strada vs. 1970 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1981 Fiat Strada is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Fiat Strada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Fiat Strada (125 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1970 Ford Cortina. (68 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Fiat Strada should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Fiat Strada weights approximately 20 kg more than 1970 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Fiat Strada, 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, 1981 Fiat Strada (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Cortina. (115 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1981 Fiat Strada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat Strada | 1970 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Strada | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2570 mm |
