2009 Ford Mondeo vs. 1981 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2009 Ford Mondeo is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Mondeo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Mondeo (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Mondeo should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 369 kg more than 1981 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Mondeo, 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 Ford Mondeo (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Mondeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Mondeo | 1981 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mondeo | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1369 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 54 L |
