1981 Ford Cortina vs. 2003 Ford GT
To start off, 2003 Ford GT 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 5,409 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford GT is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford GT (493 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 434 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford GT should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford GT weights approximately 520 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.
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, 2003 Ford GT (678 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 586 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Ford GT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Cortina | 2003 Ford GT | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | GT |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1293 cc | 5409 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 678 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 105.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 66 L |
