1999 Ford Cougar vs. 1973 Ford Cortina

To start off, 1999 Ford Cougar is newer by 26 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 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Ford Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Cougar (130 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Cougar should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Cougar weights approximately 290 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, 1999 Ford Cougar, 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 Ford Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina.

Compare all specifications:

1999 Ford Cougar 1973 Ford Cortina
Make Ford Ford
Model Cougar Cortina
Year Released 1999 1973
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1988 cc 1296 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 130 HP 56 HP
Engine RPM 5600 RPM 5500 RPM
Torque 176 Nm 91 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 3000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 84.8 mm 81 mm
Engine Stroke Size 87.9 mm 63 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1330 kg 1040 kg
Vehicle Length 4710 mm 4280 mm
Vehicle Width 1770 mm 1710 mm
Vehicle Height 1330 mm 1330 mm
Wheelbase Size 2710 mm 2590 mm