1981 Ford Cortina vs. 1970 Saab 99
To start off, 1981 Ford Cortina is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Saab 99. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Saab 99 would be higher. At 1,709 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Saab 99 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Saab 99 (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Saab 99 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Saab 99 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1981 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 Saab 99, 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, 1970 Saab 99 (130 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1970 Saab 99 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Cortina | 1970 Saab 99 | |
| Make | Ford | Saab |
| Model | Cortina | 99 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1293 cc | 1709 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 54 L |
