1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1988 Ford Meteor
To start off, 1988 Ford Meteor is newer by 12 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Ford Meteor is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Cortina (73 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1988 Ford Meteor. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Meteor.
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, 1988 Ford Meteor, 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, 1988 Ford Meteor (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Meteor will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1988 Ford Meteor | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Meteor |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2410 mm |
