2002 Chevrolet Prizm vs. 1970 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet Prizm is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Chevrolet Prizm (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1970 Ford Cortina. (95 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet Prizm should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Ford Cortina weights approximately 5 kg more than 2002 Chevrolet Prizm.
Because 1970 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 1970 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet Prizm, 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, 2002 Chevrolet Prizm (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Cortina. (148 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Chevrolet Prizm will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Cortina. 1970 Ford Cortina has automatic transmission and 2002 Chevrolet Prizm has manual transmission. 2002 Chevrolet Prizm will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1970 Ford Cortina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Chevrolet Prizm | 1970 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Prizm | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2590 mm |
