1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2000 Ford Escort
To start off, 2000 Ford Escort is newer by 24 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 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Ford Escort (128 HP) has 74 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (54 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Ford Escort weights approximately 124 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, 2000 Ford Escort, 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, 2000 Ford Escort (175 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 2000 Ford Escort 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. 2000 Ford Escort will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2000 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Escort |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 128 HP |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1124 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 48 L |
