1997 Buick Century vs. 1970 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1997 Buick Century is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Century (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1970 Ford Cortina. (97 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Century weights approximately 518 kg more than 1970 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century, 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, 1997 Buick Century (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Cortina. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 1970 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Century | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 90.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 87 L |
