1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1991 Opel Astra
To start off, 1991 Opel Astra is newer by 15 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 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Opel Astra (82 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Opel Astra weights approximately 16 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.
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, 1991 Opel Astra, 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, 1991 Opel Astra (168 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1991 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1991 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Cortina | Astra |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 75 L |
