1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2004 Saturn L
To start off, 2004 Saturn L 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 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Saturn L is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Saturn L (135 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (90 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Saturn L should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Saturn L weights approximately 285 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 Saturn L, 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 Saturn L (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Saturn L will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 2004 Saturn L 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. 2004 Saturn L will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2004 Saturn L | |
| Make | Ford | Saturn |
| Model | Cortina | L |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1592 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 94 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 62 L |
