1971 Ford Cortina vs. 1984 Ford Escort
To start off, 1984 Ford Escort is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford Cortina (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1984 Ford Escort. (53 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Ford Cortina weights approximately 170 kg more than 1984 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, both vehicles can yield 91 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Cortina | 1984 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Escort |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1608 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2410 mm |
