1988 Dodge Colt vs. 1981 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1988 Dodge Colt is newer by 7 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 1,467 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Dodge Colt is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Dodge Colt (81 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Dodge Colt should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Cortina weights approximately 5 kg more than 1988 Dodge Colt.
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, 1988 Dodge Colt, 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, 1988 Dodge Colt (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Dodge Colt will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Dodge Colt | 1981 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Colt | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1467 cc | 1293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2590 mm |
