1981 Ford Cortina vs. 2004 Holden Vectra
To start off, 2004 Holden Vectra is newer by 23 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 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Holden Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Holden Vectra (146 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Holden Vectra should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Holden Vectra weights approximately 530 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, 2004 Holden Vectra, 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, 2004 Holden Vectra (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Holden Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Cortina | 2004 Holden Vectra | |
| Make | Ford | Holden |
| Model | Cortina | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1293 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2710 mm |
