1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1996 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1996 Ford Mustang is newer by 20 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 4,655 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Mustang (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (90 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Mustang weights approximately 512 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Ford Mustang (386 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1996 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1592 cc | 4655 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 1547 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
