1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1982 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 1982 Vauxhall Astra is newer by 6 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Vauxhall Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Cortina (91 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1982 Vauxhall Astra. (89 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1982 Vauxhall Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 150 kg more than 1982 Vauxhall Astra. 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, 1982 Vauxhall Astra, 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, 1982 Vauxhall Astra (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1982 Vauxhall Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1982 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Vauxhall |
| Model | Cortina | Astra |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 85.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 69.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2520 mm |
