1981 Ford Cortina vs. 2009 Pontiac Vibe
To start off, 2009 Pontiac Vibe 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 2,362 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Pontiac Vibe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Pontiac Vibe (159 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Pontiac Vibe should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina.
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 Pontiac Vibe, 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 Pontiac Vibe (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Pontiac Vibe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Cortina | 2009 Pontiac Vibe | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Cortina | Vibe |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1293 cc | 2362 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 49 L |
