1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 1976 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1976 Ford Cortina is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (95 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Gran Torino should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 631 kg more than 1976 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, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 1976 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Gran Torino | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 87 L |
