2009 Audi A3 vs. 1974 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2009 Audi A3 is newer by 35 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi A3 (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Audi A3 weights approximately 415 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.
Because 1974 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 1974 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi A3, 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, 2009 Audi A3 (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A3 | 1974 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Audi | Ford |
| Model | A3 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 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 | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
