1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1984 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1984 Ford Fiesta is newer by 8 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Ford Fiesta (96 HP) has 42 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (54 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 150 kg more than 1984 Ford Fiesta.
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, 1984 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1984 Ford Fiesta (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1984 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 96 HP |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2300 mm |
