2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 1973 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser is newer by 28 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser weights approximately 325 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, 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 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, 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser (150 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser | 1973 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Chrysler | Ford |
| Model | PT Cruiser | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 63 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 87 L |
