1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1981 Ford Laser
To start off, 1981 Ford Laser 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 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Laser (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 258 kg more than 1981 Ford Laser.
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 Laser, 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 Laser (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 1981 Ford Laser has automatic transmission and 1976 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1976 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Ford Laser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1976 Ford Cortina | 1981 Ford Laser | |
Make | Ford | Ford |
Model | Cortina | Laser |
Year Released | 1976 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1490 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 56 HP | 85 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 91 Nm | 120 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 792 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2370 mm |