1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1983 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 1983 Vauxhall Astra 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Vauxhall Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Vauxhall Astra (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Vauxhall Astra should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 45 kg more than 1983 Vauxhall Astra.
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 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, 1983 Vauxhall Astra (148 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 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 | 1983 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Vauxhall |
| Model | Cortina | Astra |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2520 mm |
