1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1997 Holden Nova
To start off, 1997 Holden Nova 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, 1997 Holden Nova (106 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (90 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Holden Nova should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Holden Nova weights approximately 30 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, 1997 Holden Nova, 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, 1997 Holden Nova (135 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Holden Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1997 Holden Nova | |
| Make | Ford | Holden |
| Model | Cortina | Nova |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1592 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2470 mm |
