1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1984 Holden Astra
To start off, 1984 Holden Astra 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 1,488 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Holden Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Holden Astra (70 HP) has 14 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (56 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Holden 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 195 kg more than 1984 Holden 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, 1984 Holden 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, 1984 Holden Astra (115 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Holden Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 1984 Holden Astra has automatic transmission and 1976 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1976 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Holden Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1984 Holden Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Holden |
| Model | Cortina | Astra |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 70 HP |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2420 mm |
