1984 Ford Laser vs. 1973 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1984 Ford Laser is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Ford Laser (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Ford Cortina weights approximately 250 kg more than 1984 Ford Laser.
Because 1973 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 1973 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Ford Laser, 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, 1984 Ford Laser (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Laser | 1973 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Laser | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2590 mm |
