1999 Buick Regal vs. 1981 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1999 Buick Regal is newer by 18 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 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Buick Regal (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Buick Regal weights approximately 560 kg more than 1981 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1999 Buick Regal, 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, 1999 Buick Regal (311 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina. 1999 Buick Regal has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Buick Regal will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Buick Regal | 1981 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Regal | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 1293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 54 L |
