1968 Ford Escort vs. 1981 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1981 Ford Cortina is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,293 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Cortina (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (54 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Cortina weights approximately 190 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort. 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, 1968 Ford Escort, 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, 1981 Ford Cortina (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (82 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
1968 Ford Escort | 1981 Ford Cortina | |
Make | Ford | Ford |
Model | Escort | Cortina |
Year Released | 1968 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1117 cc | 1293 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 54 HP | 59 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Torque | 82 Nm | 92 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 63 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 1000 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2590 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 54 L |