1981 Ford Cortina vs. 2003 Chevrolet Prizm
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Prizm is newer by 22 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Prizm is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Prizm (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Prizm should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Prizm weights approximately 90 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, 2003 Chevrolet Prizm, 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, 2003 Chevrolet Prizm (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Prizm will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina. 2003 Chevrolet Prizm has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Chevrolet Prizm will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Cortina | 2003 Chevrolet Prizm | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Cortina | Prizm |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1293 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 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 | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2470 mm |
