1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2003 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2003 Ford Taurus 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 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Taurus (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Taurus weights approximately 363 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, 2003 Ford Taurus, 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, 2003 Ford Taurus (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 2003 Ford Taurus 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. 2003 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2003 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1477 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 68 L |
