2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 1973 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 36 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 2,774 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (175 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 746 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 2009 Dodge Nitro 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, 2009 Dodge Nitro 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, 2009 Dodge Nitro (410 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 319 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 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 1973 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 1973 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Nitro | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2774 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 280 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 55 L |
