1981 Ford Cortina vs. 2005 GMC Sierra
To start off, 2005 GMC Sierra is newer by 24 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 5,964 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 GMC Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 GMC Sierra (340 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 281 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 GMC Sierra should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 GMC Sierra weights approximately 1345 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 2005 GMC Sierra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Cortina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 GMC Sierra will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 GMC Sierra (516 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 424 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 GMC Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina. 2005 GMC Sierra 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. 2005 GMC Sierra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Cortina | 2005 GMC Sierra | |
| Make | Ford | GMC |
| Model | Cortina | Sierra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1293 cc | 5964 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 340 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 516 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 102 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 2345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 3650 mm |
