1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1978 Simca Horizon
To start off, 1978 Simca Horizon is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,593 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Cortina (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1978 Simca Horizon. (58 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1978 Simca Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 169 kg more than 1978 Simca Horizon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Simca Horizon, 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, 1976 Ford Cortina (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Simca Horizon. (89 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Simca Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1978 Simca Horizon | |
| Make | Ford | Simca |
| Model | Cortina | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1118 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 47 L |
