2009 Audi A4 vs. 1978 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2009 Audi A4 is newer by 31 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi A4 (141 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi A4 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Audi A4 weights approximately 410 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, 2009 Audi A4, 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 A4 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Cortina. (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Audi A4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A4 | 1978 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Audi | Ford |
| Model | A4 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2580 mm |
