1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am 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 2,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 90 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 16 kg more than 1976 Ford Cortina.
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 Pontiac Grand Am, 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 Pontiac Grand Am (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
1976 Ford Cortina | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Cortina | Grand Am |
Year Released | 1976 | 1986 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1593 cc | 2471 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 122 Nm | 179 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 76.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1130 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2630 mm |