1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2006 Kia Optima
To start off, 2006 Kia Optima is newer by 30 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 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Kia Optima (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Optima weights approximately 543 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, 2006 Kia Optima, 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, 2006 Kia Optima (199 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2006 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Cortina | Optima |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 65 L |
