1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1985 Saab 900
To start off, 1985 Saab 900 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 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Saab 900 (100 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Saab 900 weights approximately 66 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 Saab 900, 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 Saab 900 (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1985 Saab 900 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1985 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Ford | Saab |
| Model | Cortina | 900 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2530 mm |
