1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1997 Peugeot 406
To start off, 1997 Peugeot 406 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Peugeot 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Peugeot 406 (134 HP) has 80 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (54 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Peugeot 406 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Peugeot 406 weights approximately 344 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 Peugeot 406, 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 Peugeot 406 (190 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Peugeot 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 1997 Peugeot 406 has automatic transmission and 1976 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1976 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Peugeot 406 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1997 Peugeot 406 | |
| Make | Ford | Peugeot |
| Model | Cortina | 406 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
