1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster 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 3,678 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (90 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 580 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.
Because 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Ford Cortina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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 Plymouth Trail Duster (237 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Ford | Plymouth |
| Model | Cortina | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1592 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2700 mm |
