1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1997 Jeep Wrangler
To start off, 1997 Jeep Wrangler 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 3,964 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Jeep Wrangler is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Jeep Wrangler (175 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Jeep Wrangler should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Jeep Wrangler weights approximately 361 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 1997 Jeep Wrangler is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Ford Cortina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Jeep Wrangler will offer significantly more control. 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 Jeep Wrangler (291 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1997 Jeep Wrangler will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1997 Jeep Wrangler | |
| Make | Ford | Jeep |
| Model | Cortina | Wrangler |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 3964 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 98.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 72 L |
