1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1990 Ford Escort
To start off, 1990 Ford Escort is newer by 14 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Ford Escort (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 49 kg more than 1990 Ford Escort.
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, 1990 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, 1990 Ford Escort (135 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1990 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 | 1990 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Escort |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
