1981 Ford Cortina vs. 1998 Rover 75
To start off, 1998 Rover 75 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Rover 75 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Rover 75 (178 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Rover 75 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Rover 75 weights approximately 425 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, 1998 Rover 75, 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, 1998 Rover 75 (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Rover 75 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Cortina | 1998 Rover 75 | |
| Make | Ford | Rover |
| Model | Cortina | 75 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1293 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| 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 | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 66 L |
