2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 1972 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 647 kg more than 1972 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Dodge Nitro (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina. 2009 Dodge Nitro has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Dodge Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 1972 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Nitro | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1044 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 87 L |
