1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1985 Mercury Lynx
To start off, 1985 Mercury Lynx 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 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Mercury Lynx is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercury Lynx (89 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercury Lynx should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 89 kg more than 1985 Mercury Lynx.
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 Mercury Lynx, 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 Mercury Lynx (144 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1985 Mercury Lynx will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1985 Mercury Lynx | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Cortina | Lynx |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2400 mm |
