1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2003 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 27 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 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP) has 346 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (54 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 480 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Ford Mustang (556 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 465 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2003 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 4599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 400 HP |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 556 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 68 L |
