1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1986 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1986 Ford Fairlane 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 4,089 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Fairlane (137 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 597 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Fairlane 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 Fairlane | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 4089 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 1632 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2950 mm |
