1973 Datsun Laurel vs. 1976 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1976 Ford Cortina is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Datsun Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Datsun Laurel would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Datsun Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Datsun Laurel (124 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (90 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Datsun Laurel should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Datsun Laurel weights approximately 661 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, 1973 Datsun Laurel (171 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Datsun Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Datsun Laurel | 1976 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Datsun | Ford |
| Model | Laurel | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 87.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1775 kg | 1114 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 54 L |
