1981 Ford Cortina vs. 2009 Chevrolet Uplander
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Uplander is newer by 28 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 3,880 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Uplander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Uplander (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Uplander should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Uplander weights approximately 1200 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, 2009 Chevrolet Uplander, 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, 2009 Chevrolet Uplander (326 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 234 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Uplander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina. 2009 Chevrolet Uplander 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. 2009 Chevrolet Uplander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Cortina | 2009 Chevrolet Uplander | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Cortina | Uplander |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1293 cc | 3880 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 2200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 76 L |
