1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1993 Volvo 850
To start off, 1993 Volvo 850 is newer by 17 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 2,319 cc (5 cylinders), 1993 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Volvo 850 (225 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Volvo 850 weights approximately 415 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, 1993 Volvo 850, 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, 1993 Volvo 850 (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1993 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1993 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Cortina | 850 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 2319 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 73 L |
