1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2007 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2007 Mercury Mariner is newer by 31 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 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercury Mariner (153 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (107 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 835 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, 2007 Mercury Mariner, 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, 2007 Mercury Mariner (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (177 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 2007 Mercury Mariner 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. 2007 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2007 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Cortina | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 87.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.1 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 62 L |
