1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1983 Ford Escort
To start off, 1983 Ford Escort is newer by 7 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Cortina (73 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1983 Ford Escort. (51 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 64 kg more than 1983 Ford Escort. 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, 1983 Ford Escort, 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 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Escort. (111 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1983 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Escort |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2400 mm |
