1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1981 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1981 Ford Fiesta is newer by 5 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 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Fiesta (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 314 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
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, 1981 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1981 Ford Fiesta (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
1976 Ford Cortina | 1981 Ford Fiesta | |
Make | Ford | Ford |
Model | Cortina | Fiesta |
Year Released | 1976 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1608 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 73 HP | 83 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
Torque | 117 Nm | 129 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 800 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3570 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1590 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2400 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 34 L |