1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1998 Oldsmobile Alero
To start off, 1998 Oldsmobile Alero is newer by 22 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 2,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Oldsmobile Alero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Oldsmobile Alero (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Oldsmobile Alero should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Oldsmobile Alero weights approximately 425 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, 1998 Oldsmobile Alero, 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, 1998 Oldsmobile Alero (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Oldsmobile Alero will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1998 Oldsmobile Alero | |
| Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Cortina | Alero |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2720 mm |
