1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2009 Nissan Micra
To start off, 2009 Nissan Micra 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 1,593 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Micra (87 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Micra should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Micra weights approximately 328 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, 2009 Nissan Micra, 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 Nissan Micra (128 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Micra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2009 Nissan Micra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Cortina | Micra |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1386 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 46 L |
