1972 Ford Cortina vs. 1976 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 1976 Chrysler 1609 is newer by 4 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 1,980 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Chrysler 1609 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Chrysler 1609 (108 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Chrysler 1609 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Chrysler 1609 weights approximately 81 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, 1976 Chrysler 1609 (159 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Chrysler 1609 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina. 1976 Chrysler 1609 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. 1976 Chrysler 1609 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 1976 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | Ford | Chrysler |
| Model | Cortina | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 91.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 65 L |
