1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 10 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 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Escort (132 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Escort weights approximately 45 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, 1986 Ford Escort, 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, 1986 Ford Escort (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Escort |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1608 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 132 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2410 mm |
