2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 1980 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser (140 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1980 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser weights approximately 381 kg more than 1980 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 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 (190 Nm @ 4150 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser | 1980 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Chrysler | Ford |
| Model | PT Cruiser | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4150 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1383 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 54 L |
