1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1996 Lancia Zeta
To start off, 1996 Lancia Zeta 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 2,088 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lancia Zeta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lancia Zeta (109 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lancia Zeta should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lancia Zeta weights approximately 565 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, 1996 Lancia Zeta, 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, 1996 Lancia Zeta (260 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Lancia Zeta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1996 Lancia Zeta | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Cortina | Zeta |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 2088 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2830 mm |
