1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2009 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 33 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 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 4 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus.
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, 2009 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, 2009 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 2009 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. 2009 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2009 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6251 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4501 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.4:1 |
| 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 | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 76 L |
