2002 Oldsmobile Alero vs. 1977 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2002 Oldsmobile Alero is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Oldsmobile Alero (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1977 Ford Cortina. (123 HP @ 3700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Oldsmobile Alero should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Oldsmobile Alero weights approximately 230 kg more than 1977 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Oldsmobile Alero, 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, 1977 Ford Cortina (289 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Oldsmobile Alero. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1977 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Oldsmobile Alero. 1977 Ford Cortina has automatic transmission and 2002 Oldsmobile Alero has manual transmission. 2002 Oldsmobile Alero will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Ford Cortina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Oldsmobile Alero | 1977 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Ford |
| Model | Alero | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 289 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 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 | 1370 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2580 mm |
