2005 Chevrolet Impala vs. 1981 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2005 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 3,343 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Chevrolet Impala (181 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 537 kg more than 1981 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Chevrolet Impala, 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, 2005 Chevrolet Impala (278 Nm) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm). This means 2005 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina. 2005 Chevrolet Impala has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Chevrolet Impala will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Chevrolet Impala | 1981 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Impala | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3343 cc | 1293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1537 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 54 L |
