1987 Buick LeSabre vs. 1973 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1987 Buick LeSabre is newer by 14 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Buick LeSabre (148 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 460 kg more than 1973 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1987 Buick LeSabre, 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, 1987 Buick LeSabre (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Buick LeSabre | 1973 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | LeSabre | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 87 L |
