1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1997 Rover 400
To start off, 1997 Rover 400 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 1,589 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Rover 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Rover 400 (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Rover 400 should accelerate faster 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 Rover 400, 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 Rover 400 (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Rover 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1997 Rover 400 | |
| Make | Ford | Rover |
| Model | Cortina | 400 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2560 mm |
