1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1985 Ford Tempo
To start off, 1985 Ford Tempo is newer by 9 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 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Ford Tempo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Tempo (90 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Tempo should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ford Tempo weights approximately 70 kg more than 1976 Ford Cortina. 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, 1985 Ford Tempo, 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, 1985 Ford Tempo (170 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Tempo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 1985 Ford Tempo 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. 1985 Ford Tempo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1985 Ford Tempo | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Tempo |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2540 mm |
