1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1997 Volvo S70
To start off, 1997 Volvo S70 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 2,460 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Volvo S70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volvo S70 (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volvo S70 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volvo S70 weights approximately 261 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 Volvo S70, 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 Volvo S70 (290 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1997 Volvo S70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1997 Volvo S70 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Cortina | S70 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 2460 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 20.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 68 L |
