2007 Nissan Altima vs. 1978 Ford Cortina

To start off, 2007 Nissan Altima is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1978 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Nissan Altima weights approximately 359 kg more than 1978 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1978 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 1978 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Nissan Altima, 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, 2007 Nissan Altima (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Cortina. (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Cortina. 1978 Ford Cortina has automatic transmission and 2007 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2007 Nissan Altima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Ford Cortina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2007 Nissan Altima 1978 Ford Cortina
Make Nissan Ford
Model Altima Cortina
Year Released 2007 1978
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3490 cc 1998 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 270 HP 86 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 5300 RPM
Torque 350 Nm 141 Nm
Torque RPM 4400 RPM 3500 RPM
Fuel Type Diesel Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Vehicle Weight 1469 kg 1110 kg
Vehicle Length 4830 mm 4380 mm
Vehicle Width 1800 mm 1710 mm
Vehicle Height 1480 mm 1340 mm
Wheelbase Size 2780 mm 2580 mm


 

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