1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2004 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2004 Opel Vectra is newer by 28 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Opel Vectra (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Opel Vectra weights approximately 535 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, 2004 Opel Vectra, 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, 2004 Opel Vectra (265 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2004 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Cortina | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 60 L |
