2005 Cadillac XLR vs. 1974 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2005 Cadillac XLR is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 4,572 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Cadillac XLR (301 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 245 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 709 kg more than 1974 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2005 Cadillac XLR (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 329 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina. 2005 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 1974 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1974 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Cadillac XLR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Cadillac XLR | 1974 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | XLR | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4572 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1654 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
