1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1997 Ford Escort
To start off, 1997 Ford Escort is newer by 21 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 1,592 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Cortina (90 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1997 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Escort weights approximately 95 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, 1997 Ford Escort, 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, 1976 Ford Cortina (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Escort. (114 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1997 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Escort |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1592 cc | 1391 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
