1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1990 Ford Taurus
To start off, 1990 Ford Taurus 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 2,513 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Cortina (90 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1990 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Taurus weights approximately 290 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, 1990 Ford Taurus, 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 Taurus (176 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 Ford Taurus 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 Taurus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 2513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2700 mm |
