2008 Audi A3 vs. 1973 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2008 Audi A3 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Audi A3 (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Audi A3 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1973 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Audi A3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Ford Cortina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Audi A3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Audi A3 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina. 2008 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 1973 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1973 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A3 | 1973 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Audi | Ford |
| Model | A3 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
