1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1999 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1999 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 23 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. Both 1976 Ford Cortina and 1999 Suzuki Samurai are equipped with a 1,298 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Suzuki Samurai (69 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Suzuki Samurai should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 15 kg more than 1999 Suzuki Samurai.
Because 1999 Suzuki Samurai 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, 1999 Suzuki Samurai 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, 1999 Suzuki Samurai (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Suzuki Samurai will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1999 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Cortina | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2490 mm |
