1999 Nissan Xterra vs. 1978 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1999 Nissan Xterra is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,393 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Nissan Xterra (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 474 kg more than 1978 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Ford Cortina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Nissan Xterra will offer significantly more control. 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 Nissan Xterra (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Cortina. (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Cortina. 1978 Ford Cortina has automatic transmission and 1999 Nissan Xterra has manual transmission. 1999 Nissan Xterra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Ford Cortina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Nissan Xterra | 1978 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Nissan | Ford |
| Model | Xterra | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2393 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1584 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1890 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2580 mm |
